Young Writers Society

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Who Is It For?

I wrap my hair into an intricate updo
And cement it in place with hairspray and
More bobby pins than I can count.
I spritz perfume on my neck
And highlight my cheekbones with rouge

Maybe it’s the feminist kick I’ve been on lately,
But as I apply mascara
I can’t help but wonder:
Who I’m putting myself through this for?

Since my idea of a good time
Is reading,
Curled up on my couch
In sweats
With a mug of green tea and some ginger snaps,
The dress that I wiggle into
Is much too short and low and sequin-y
For my taste.

The doorbell chimes
As I slip into three inch heels.
I hurry down the hall
(Almost breaking my ankle in the process)
As to not allow my Father anymore time to interrogate
The Boy who’s name I’ll forget in ten years.

His eyes widen.
I’m glad that
He likes the dress
As much as my friends and Mother does
Because the one thing
Guys will never understand is that sequins itch so bad

My Mother oohs and ahs
And I complain just enough to make sure
She knows she has succeeded in embarrassing me.
And she snaps a picture for the mantel,
That will later migrate to the
Photo album, where we will gawk
At the dress and my hair
And how it screams twenty years ago

And later that night,
When I wash off the foundation, confetti,
And the feeling that this night only happens once,
I’ll admit to myself that I did have a tiny bit of fun.
Only a bit,
Mind you.

Ah. Fascinating. A brief look at the quintessential American prom I believe, asking why do the girls do so?

This poem is rather short, but I have enjoyed it, mainly because of that fact. It seems only a small thing, the thoughts of a girl, perhaps a bibliophile of some sort, but was quite interesting.

However, I have trouble understanding some of the verses.

I wrap my hair into an intricate updo

What is an 'updo'? Is it a type of hairstyle? What is it?

I couldn't find (Maybe it's just that I'm an amateur at poetry) a rhythm in this poem, something I have found all poems do have.

Anyway, this is rather nice. A good work of blank verse. Hope to read more from you.

Hmm, I like this...it's very fun to read, and gives a good view into what it's like going to homecoming or prom. It was neat. I actually don't know why I liked it so much, but it just amused me. Whimsical and fun I guess.

Who I’m putting myself through this for?
^
Could be changed to "Who am I doing this for?" it seems to read easier that way.

And the bit about the 3 in. heels...I was smirking. 3 inches, nothing. Try 5!!! (What I was thinking) I guess it felt like the girl was bragging about the shoes when they weren't even the 'real deal'.

Not sure why "mother, father, and the boy" are capitalized?

But yeah, nothing else to comment on. I really loved this piece, and sorry I couldn't help ya out a bit more!