Don’t Tell Me

Don’t tell me my physical imperfections are beautiful.
Don’t tell me that my gap-toothed teeth make my smile unique.
Don’t tell me that my squinty slitted eyes hide irises that rival a model’s.
Don’t tell me that my webbed stretch marks make me gorgeous

Don’t measure me by my body.

Tell me it does not matter whether my body is ugly or beautiful.
Tell me it does not matter whether my teeth are straight or crooked.
Tell me it does not matter whether I am fat or skinny.
Tell me it does not matter what I look like at all.

Instead,

Look into me and see the shape of my soul.
Look into me and trace the outline of my heart.
Look into me and find the strength of my compassion.
Look into me and know the truth of who I am.

Then and only then,
You can tell me I am beautiful
Then and only then,
I will believe you