By Aarushi Aneja
Big eyes, very fair,
A warm smile, noodle-like curly hair.
Not so short, not so tall,
I am the girl next door, you just saw awkwardly fall.
I laugh out loud,
But in rom-coms, I cry.
Very self-critical,
But never shy.
Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Am I pretty at all?
“You are a piece of art, lady - always will be!
Why doubt? Through whose eyes do you see?”
I grew up hearing I had to work hard,
Be successful and pay the bill.
But also travel, have a hobby and be funny!
What’s with the overkill?
They said to find a nice boy,
Who pampered me and opened my door.
They also told me to be independent and love myself,
Who decided what I want more?
Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Who is right of them all?
“Old rules are always broken, and new ones made.
Pick the lipstick that suits you—why fuss over the popular shade?”
I saw some run from love, some chase it hard.
Dating changed from 'favorite color' to the 'love language' card.
Some did great in the blue-tick game,
Some made podcasts for the likes and the fame.
My goal became to grow with every season,
And question the could-haves, a lot less.
Imperfection is now called beautiful,
I still prefer to be a hot mess.
Mirror, mirror on the wall,
Look at me - not asking you anything at all.
“May I always find charm in the smallest things,
May my coffee always be hot.
Let me make mistakes,
But may I still call every shot!”