Manicured nails
Play with a pink pen.
I stare at my fingers.
They are ugly and short.

Perfect hair
Straightened each morning.
I push my brown hair behind my ears.
It is long and plain.

Brand-name clothes
Set out the night before.
I glance at my T-shirt and jeans.
They are dirty and worn.

Quarterback boyfriend
Asked out during the first game.
I know my profile still says single
As it always has and always will.

Most popular
Voted four years by the school.
I was never voted anything.
I never stood out and never won.

Comparing eyes
Look from me to her each day.
I know they think she's better
And now, so do I.

I push my hair back into my face.