The Image
Megan Schladetzky

There's this image that society has engraved in our brains
The Image that we all try to obtain
Being able to hold a certain amount of weight
But as soon as you go over, down goes your rate
The stomach must be flat
But below the back, you must be fat
You want to lose fat that can jiggle
And as soon as the arms wiggle…
You must have no flaws
Having acne is like disobeying the law
Having any extra skin in an unwanted place is a disappointment
You might as well go make an appointment
But don't forget that you have to be careful
When choosing your apparel
You're trying to cover up when you wear baggy clothes
But wearing a bathing suit is disgusting because you are asking for a show
You have to gain muscle
And you have to make sure to hustle
Going for seconds makes you look like a pig
When you are not fueling your body, they say, “At least you're not big.”
You are asking for attention as soon as you let one tear fall
Because we are supposed to be put together, not wanting to curl up in a ball
Watching the “pretty girls” on the screen
Tearing up our insides, feeling like we don't want to be seen
Become the one boys like
Go ride a bike or go on a hike
Sitting at home feeling guilty
You would look better if you went for a run around the city