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- Conversation With The Mirror In The Bathroom Of A Bar -
| Open Poetry #20 |
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- Conversation With The Mirror In The Bathroom Of A Bar - |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA 
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I consider this a 'stream of consciouness' poem. It can easily be written as a story, but, I prefer this format much better. I'm trying to write in different styles, and, I welcome any suggestions you have. It's somewhat long, but, it reads fast, so humour me  Conversation With The Mirror In The Bathroom Of A Bar "What are you doing here, Melissa? In this backstreet bar with all these sleazy people? I know that you and I are not the best of friends, in fact, we're really not friends at all, but, there are some things I must say to you." 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest one of all?' "Ha! That's a laugh! Now you and I know that you're the dog biscuit among the other women here." 'Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the biggest fool of all?' "Well, okay, I'll give you that one, sorry if the truth hurts. And stop flirting with every man that walks by! What ever happened to the shy Melissa? Who are you trying to fool? Oh puh-leeease, everyone knows that a bar is not the right place to meet the man of your dreams, but, still, you keep hoping and waiting, wasting your time here because you can't seem to find him anywhere else. Well, at least thank God for padded push-up bras. I agree, your almost non-existent breasts need a lift. Hey, remember in grade eight when the boys used to call you a pirate's dream, you know - a sunken chest. Okay, even you have to admit that's clever, but, hurtful just the same. Oh, and do you recall the boyfriend who dumped you and said that you were cute and all and that your personality was great but your boobs weren't big enough, and then proceeded with the infamous 'let's be friends' line? Well, what can I say, fifteen year old boys are like that. Okay, cliche time: it's not you, it's him... if only you believed that. Well, if I may offer some advice: a woman is a woman and always will be one regardless of her breast size. Never allow any man to make you feel inferior. Afterall, you don't walk around holding a ruler in your hand to judge men, now do you? So, Melissa, what are you doing here? That's right, avoid the question. You always were stubborn weren't you?! Fine then, go ahead, lightly smudge the grey eyeliner for that overrated smokey effect, nah, overdone! Well, since you're here, you might as well add more eyeshadow... wait that's too much! Your face isn't a paint by number set, you know. Do I need to start calling you Tammy Faye Baker from now on? Two words for you - Aunt Carmen, okay, okay, stop laughing. Pucker those lips, Max Factor #50, burgundy red. And no, you don't need to add more mascara, your lashes are naturally too long as it is! And besides, you've already heard 'are those your real lashes?' too many times tonight, like a broken record. Hey, but we finally found something we like. There's your asset. The eyes have it, baby! Neener, neener, neener! Go ahead, Tammy (sorry couldn't resist), brush your long, lackluster brown locks, as if that will make a difference. Sure, add more volumizing hairspray that you paid a fortune for at the salon. It doesn't even work that well, your hair is so lifeless... Yawn. Hey, maybe being a redhead would be more fun. Note to self: on the way home pick up one of those do-it yourself dye kits from the all night drug store. And don't forget to spray on your new perfume ~ lavender. Remember what you read in Cosmo the other day, men are more attracted to this scent. But, you don't like it. Oh well, spray some more on anyways. And don't forget to dab some on your neck. It's not you that you have to impress anyway. But, remember this, no matter how perfectly applied your makeup is, it can't hide the expression of a sad heart. Oh, I saw that dirty look, I finally got your attention, did I? Is that a tear I see? And since when do you wear skirts that short? You obviously want the wrong kind of attention. Oh, I see, you needed a change. Oh yes, now that's right, from being the cute, predictable Melissa. Seems to me that you've been changing a lot lately, but, is it really for the better? I see the way you look at me, like you're disgusted by the reflection, like you're thinking that this isn't the way my life should have turned out, that I deserve better kind of look. Well, my dear, you are the navigator, aren't you? Do something about it. Yes, you are often shy and nervous at times, that does stand to be a problem. But, often courage comes by being afraid of doing something, but, doing it anyway. But, what do I know, you hardly ever listen to me. I know, I know, I'm nagging again. You keep telling me that you're fine, that you couldn't be happier. Well, if I had a quarter for every time I've heard that, I'd be somewhere in the tropics right now, sipping a pina colada on the beach with tanned men and millions of dollars sitting in a Swiss bank account. You seem to think that I was born yesterday. Excuse me, don't roll your eyes at me, missy! And, I'm not even going to get into a discussion about your father, there's not even enough tissue in the bathroom. Honey, that's an Oprah show waiting to happen. Oh, look, did you see that size 2 blonde that just walked by? Does she ever make you look like a little girl. There's your competition. Don't most men go for blondes anyway? Okay, now stand back from the mirror... your hips are too rounded! Who ever said that an hourglass figure was all that great anyway? And I didn't know that your butt was that big? That's it! Tomorrow, your diet starts. Can you say rice cakes and salads for the next month? Hurry up, they're playing your favourite song. Stop stumbling, Mom always said 'that a lady should never get drunk.' 'Well she's not here, what she doesn't know won't hurt me.' "Is that your oh so brilliant philosophy now. Note the sarcasm. Oh yes, I see, you're here to have a good time, not to play saint, right? Well, in the morning, you will regret the way you've acted. Too bad that your character went out the window when you had your...how many was it? Your fourth beer? Pop a breath mint to mask that breath! No, pop in two, just in case. Suck in that stomach! And don't forget to strut all sexy in those heels. Damn this blister! That's it, next life, I'm a man. Yeah right - joke of the day. Put on a smile, ignore the loneliness. What ever happened to your dreams, hmmm? What happened to the girl who vowed to never act a certain way just so people would like her? You used to be strong, sweet and intelligent, now you're a dime a dozen. What happened to you? Have you even listened to a single word I've said? You seem to think that you can silence me, but, try as you may, you can never get rid of me. In fact, I have all the time in the world, I am here to stay, I won't give up on you yet. So, really, what are you doing here, Melissa?" And, I leave the bathroom, unanswered, with the door swingly shut to hollow and return to the masquerade at the bar. By Melissa P. Monette [This message has been edited by Melissa Honeybee (04-21-2002 04:48 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2002 Melissa P. Long-Monette - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Ah, Melissa, you are rapidly becoming a must-read!! This is awesome!! It is a magnificent idea for poem or any style of writing. We can always put on fronts and faces for others but, when we face the mirror, we can never lie to ourselves. I'm sure that many of the conversations we have with ourselves would be very interesting though I doubt they could match yours! LOL! Thanks, Melissa, for such an in-depth and revealing piece. As the poem goes.. You can fool the whole world Down your pathway of years And get pats on the back as you pass.. But your final reward Will be heartaches and tears If you've cheated the man in the glass. |
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Mistletoe Angel 
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
  (smiles) WOW!!! OH MY GOSH, I BELIEVE THIS IS YOUR BEST PIECE YET, I LOVE IT!!! (big huggssssss) This piece is a marvelous prose with poetic overtone, sweet friend, I think this is a wonderful message we should all look upon and understand that through our own reflection we can never lie while we may always be someone else in the face of strangers and even close friends! (kiss on cheek) This is marvelous, sweet friend, you amaze me, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiufl heart, sweet Melissa, thank you for sharing!  May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Honeybee Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-26
Posts 5372Ontario, CANADA |
Michael ~ Thank you good sir, 'tis an honour to be read by you, my ego is growing as we speak I appreciate the fact that someone (especially you) read this LONG poem, I wasn't sure if anyone would have the patience or open mind to read such a lengthy piece.And, 'The Man In The Glass' has always been one of my favourite poems since I was little, thank you for posting that last stanza for all of us to be reminded of that poignant truth Noah, Thank you so much, I am actually proud of this piece, I'm not sure if it's my best, but, I do hope that it's quality writing. This is the second and hopefully final version "Poetry is not an opinion expressed... |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
I think the mirror knows the truth...very impressive writing...James |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
This is brilliant!! Melissa! Just look at you grow girlie!! Into my library it goes! ~Big Sunday Hugs~ ~Somewhere in my heart I'm always |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Hey Missy, Have you condisdered sharing that mirror? It might do me some good! Well worth the read here. Some more soaring if you ask me... It's never too late to have a good childhood! Woohoo! |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
Grinning like mad here--I've had more than a few of these myself! I think the last one went something like "What are you doing here? You have a LIFE now!" You touched a universal pulse with this one, and thank you for allowing us to eavesdrop! I'm liking the direction your work is taking, m'friend! |
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Krissy Senior Member
since 2002-02-22
Posts 556kent England |
Melissa hi there, this is lovely writing, as impressive as any I have ever read, well worth staying with it for the lengthy read. Some outstanding thoughts here. And I’m deeply impressed with this. Well written. I have an aunt named Melissa, she’s just four years older than me, one of the nicest people you could ever meet. You remind me of her, she’s very sparky too   Love and warm stuff As always Krissy And while thy willing soul transpiers |
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RosePetal
since 2001-08-26
Posts 2985South Florida |
wow...this is exquisite writing! A lot of the things in here are things I've said to myself in the mirror. Especially the part about men going for blondes...I even proved that theory to myself...I bleached my hair blonde and attracted way more guys...but then I went back to brunette and said U know what? they should like me for me and not the color of my hair or any thing else that is nonsense. Great Write Melissa!! |
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catalinamoon
since 2000-06-03
Posts 9543The Shores of Alone |
Hi Melissa, as always, you have something special to say. And I like the format as well. Sandra |
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Duncan Member Ascendant
since 2001-08-07
Posts 5455 |
So is that why it takes women so long in the bathroom? Like the style, like the content, see the message every night I work. Great write, Melissa, |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Well, if I may offer some advice: a woman is a woman and always will be one regardless of her breast size. Never allow any man to make you feel inferior. Afterall, you don't walk around holding a ruler in your hand to judge men, now do you? =============================== there are too many great lines in this to highlight them all...but the above was one of my fave... powerful purge here in this honest, reflective piece Melis ... LOL@Duncas reply Keep "playing" with your poetry...and delving deep ...the growth and healing will be as good for your muse as it is for you. hugs-girlie mothyme |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
quote: that's the center of all of this. . . and the question that will go unanswered. . . it plays like a record throughout all of this. . . and is avoided. . . but why? that's the other question. . . and one that will have its answer in time. . . well done Melissa. . . some of your best work ever. . . ---------------------------------------------------------- To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world. |
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Chelsea~ Member
since 2001-02-09
Posts 260Ontario, CANADA |
Missy, you never cease to surprise me, this is just way too cool! I loved everything about it. I'm just shaking my head here and smiling, when you write the possibilities are endless. This style suits your personality very well. But, you do need to build up that confidence! And, by the way, you are pretty!!!, and, I do recall many guys complimenting you on that 'hourglass' figure! Am I allowed to be jealous? Wanna trade? lol |
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