I was immediately drawn in from the title alone, and the poem didn't disappoint. "The twisting of the flesh makes the martyr" was probably my favorite line, but that little tie-in to Helen of Troy was nice as well. :)

Maybe I'm different, but the only thing pretty about me is my willingness to admit that I'm not pretty. I'm smart- but each day, I look in the mirror and see an aging woman. Well written. Thanks- good read!

I've always thought beauty arose from self-confidence and a joyful spirit, something that always catches my eye - gives it the "light of admiration". On the other hand, "the twisting of flesh" has pretty much the oposite effect. Interesting poem Aaron.

Brilliant piece Aaron. Slowed me dwon for a bit, made me read it more than twice. I will most definitely be adding this to my favs. Oh and I love the Counting Crows reference in the author's note...snaps it all together.

Perception of beauty is one of the things that causes a hundred little deaths and a hundred little suicides, each comparison giving rise to this idea that conventional physical attractiveness is a mark of favour...for myself, I've never thought or said I was pretty or beautiful -I am interesting looking, striking at best -and I like that. I like that I don't look like someone's 20 ex-girlfriends. I like that people remember me because I am not so homogeneous. That being said, it is hard to forget the many little scars hidden on the inside, marks of intentional and unintentional cruelties, all because we happened to be born in a time when our looks were 'less than ideal' -and thanks to advertising and pop culture and magazine models, we're never allowed to forget it. To shrug all of that off -to either embrace the ugly part of us or to exile it in favour of a more appealing outlook...that is a trick, and a little death, and a little suicide all on it's own. This is a wonderful tribute to attractiveness, perception - both external and internal, and the lineage of this most abstract of concepts...true beauty.

Interesting title indeed and the poem certainly delivers such a punch to society and the concept of beauty we are left to wonder what the real gift is--beauty or ugliness? Or perhaps what is truly beautiful and truly ugly? I also love that this poem and its thought is round and not just one tracked and flat. Instead it escalates and comes back to deliver that punch with an impact. Well done.

I love the brilliance of this piece, how it brings to light this Western pandemic...I truly like every line and image you conjure in this piece, but like Vince, my fav line is "The twisting of the flesh/ makes the martyr."--just resounding! I also loved the forgetting how to be flawed, the mirrored eyes, and the ship imagery, just exquisitely delivered!! This piece is definitely deserving of it's place on the top rated list, it is an instant favorite for me, peace, jewels

There is an ugly truth in this Aaron. You hit that nail on the head pretty well. I too love that line from the Counting Crows.

Makes one wonder. Do the blind see themselves as beautiful?

If we all looked like supermodels what a boring world it would be. I was never thin or handsome, and still am not. But I found out a while back I like who I am, and for some strange reason my wife liked me enough to marry me. Love yourself like no one else can, and someone else will.

I'm sorry, I didn't even read the poem. I will when I have more time. But that's a great f*&$in' title. :)

Great poem.

Wonderful. I especially love the author's note.