You’re beautiful, and yet you do your best
to signal unattractive with your style:
the glaring hair, attire always messed,
and indignation overruling smile.
My parents sang to me the same old song
and I contested vehement like you,
and even though I knew my folks were wrong,
I see a bit of wisdom in their view.

Now I don’t think your image summons those
with whom I wish you’d never socialize –
it’s your own hair and sure you can compose
yourself – but if you choose to cross your eyes,
my mom says “Careful: lest you freeze that way”
(for habits of expression tend to stay).