A reflection of life
through distorted mirrors
and bloated faces,
musclebound bodies
that barely fit into their inflated egos.
Rugrats and narcissists,
six packs and rock-hard lats,
pumping and jerking,
squatting and deadlifting,
masters of the stairs
but amateurs on the ground.
Superman and Wonder Woman,
a club full of wannabes
admiring their bulging pride,
underestimating their real strengths,
the power they have inside.
Only fools yearn for perfection
in a gym of the unattainable,
deafening, sweat-pouring spinning,
cross-fit to the ultimate extreme,
a mindless performance-enhancing
steroid dream.
Crow On The Wire 
“…a mindless performance-enhancing
steroid dream” I love how this ends with a note of desperation. Just as people resort to using steroids as a means of shortcut to avoid wasting time, real life becomes daunting for those who have not an ounce of patience in their disposition. The title ‘Image is Everything’ holds true considering the current scenario. This is a very well thought-out poem, kudos to you!
Thank you, Nameera. Learning to love ourselves does take patience. We can’t do it with dumbbells alone.
Mark,your poem is very good as it relentlessly pours forth the admiration of body shape
and muscles whilst forgetting the real power that resides inside – given a chance.
Miriam
I like your use of relentless, Miriam. It feels that way when i see others push themselves so hard and fiercely. It’s almost insane.
😊
This is so well written! Agreed the need for the perfect bodies only feeds the ego and the real power inside is suppressed under layers of muscle!
Yes, the muscles hide the person. It’s like a scary Halloween costume.
I know! It’s intimidating.
Very. 🙏🏻
I guess it’s where I’m at, but that line “Only fools yearn for perfection” oh yes indeed, but I wish for an end to perfectionism in general.
Ending perfectionism. We expect perfectionism in others, especially people who have our lives in their hands like doctors and pilots. But I think it’s gotten so pervasive that some of us expect it everywhere.
Sadly I must agree – wish it were otherwise because it leads to expectations.
Yes, wish we could just live and enjoy every moment.
Yes to that
They say an “image” can replace a thousand (1,000) words. Today for some you still need to say a few words to tell them what the “image” is all about. 📸
That’s true. But I hate to see when they obsess over it. 😞
Each generation/era of people are totally different from the previous. At my age I look back and wonder how did my parents, relatives survive with their generation/era. .
That’s so true, Hope. In with the new, out with the old.
Bravo, My Friend!! So well done!!!
thank you!
Pingback: Poem: Image is Everything — Crow On The Wire – Ellustar Gallery
Much thanks, Mark.