This is a reworked old post of mine. It was brought to my mind by Victo Delore’s post Proximity.
The Mirror Lies
Look in the mirror what do you see
I see a skeleton pleading with me.
You do not see that, you see rivers of fat .
If you let this go on you’ll be dead and that’s that
How did this happen how did this come to pass.
Why do you feel no one loves you, if you would only ask.
Was it a neurotic mother who showed the way
Counting calories and eating less day after day.
She treated you as she did herself it is no wonder now
That you have developed this curse.

Was it the adverts we see day after day
That you see while you are at play.
What drives a child younger than ten
To vow to herself she will not eat again.
Did the children at school taunt you and say
“little miss piggy just go away ”
They did not mean to hurt they did not know
That those words would cripple you so.
I say they the were innocent but that might not be true
For children can be unkind and don’t care about the damage they do.
……………………….
It changed the image the mirror shows you
You watch as the fat piled on , but only in your eyes was it true.
Now it is nearly too late
The pleads and entreaties for you to put on some weight.
Just simply fall on deaf ears
And as you slip away your gums bleed, full filling our worst fears
Was it your boss who shattered your confidence by making a careless remark
About eating too many cakes that caused you to a binge and vomit course to embark.
Sadly it is all or nothing for you,
Sadly my love it will be the death of you too.
It may seem like a mountain to climb
But please take my hand and except my love, your running out of time.
Mothers and fathers what ever you do
Make sure your children know you love them and make time to spend with them too.
Teachers and government make sure that healthy diets are taught
And evil nasty bullies are dealt with as soon as they are caught.
We need our children and our young people too
We must guide them and love them as they need to see we are true.
We will never stop the adverts on TV, posters and press
But we can talk to our children and tell them these models are just there to impress.
The rich cats are just out to make money
They don’t give a damn about anyone honey.!
So I reach out my hand and offer some hope
Every one is beautiful in their own just remember you are loved and we can help you to cope.
Beauty is skin deep what is inside is what is key
The soul and heart dictate what you should be.
You cannot chase the perfect body all of your life
You will have to give up so much as you will not have time to live life.
Aug 11, 2017 @ 20:07:06
Such a poignant post sis xxx
Aug 11, 2017 @ 20:14:04
I had a real job getting it right finally got it right now, videos showing and all. I wanted to have it perfect as it is such an important subject. 💜
Aug 11, 2017 @ 20:33:47
💗💗💗 you did a great job xxx
Aug 11, 2017 @ 20:36:04
Thank you Sis 💖💜💝💜
Aug 11, 2017 @ 20:54:40
So tragic the message that the media sends to young women and girls. And “toys” like Barbie dolls that show impossible bodies. Your caring poem will hopefully reach someone today….
Aug 11, 2017 @ 20:55:46
I do hope so🌹
Aug 11, 2017 @ 22:02:49
Well and powerfully said. Thank you for the shout out.
Aug 11, 2017 @ 22:06:02
You deserve it, you made me think hard today 💜
Aug 11, 2017 @ 23:25:31
Cool
Aug 12, 2017 @ 07:08:37
Thank you for reading🌹
Aug 16, 2017 @ 15:04:36
Welcome Dear
Aug 16, 2017 @ 15:26:36
🌹🌹
Aug 16, 2017 @ 17:03:28
So sweet of you
Aug 12, 2017 @ 02:50:06
The song is beautiful!
Aug 12, 2017 @ 07:07:54
Which song, “cause and effect” or “eyesore” both songs have such painful words.
Aug 12, 2017 @ 07:44:49
Eyesore
Aug 12, 2017 @ 07:52:02
Yes , a great song I think it is partly biographical I know she had a hard childhood.
Aug 12, 2017 @ 10:19:07
Hi ,
Brilliant song I totally relate to what you say I have an Anorexic daughter Hazel who has now had to go back into Hospital . Her BMI is now 15 and she has extreme Anorexia Nervosa. The Anorexia is driven and governed by her Personality Disorder as well as Her Autism Body Imaging Several times a day , trying on different clothes, continually counting calories has made the situation very difficult between us. Hospital is the best place for her at the moment where she can be monitored and assessed and let professionals look after her. She is now being assessed for an eating Disorder Unit where she can be helped. Thanks again for your post Very pertinent to my daughter’s problems.
Laurence x
Aug 12, 2017 @ 15:18:49
Hi Laurence I am so sorry to hear about your daughter, I only wish I could do more than just draw attention to the problem. I get so angry when I see how the media uses only the thinnest and prettiest of people boys and girls (men and boys suffer from both types of Anorexia too) the wrong message is continually being put out there. I do know how driven Anorexia can be, I have hovered on the edge for years. Finally I am fine, I think . I was not as ill as Hazel, I never needed hospitalisation and I kept it hidden , as I say on the brink.
I only hope that society will wake up to this fact before we all go to hell in a hand cart.
I do Hazel can improve and get her place in the unit , I pray she will recover and I send love to you and all your family. 💜💜
Aug 13, 2017 @ 08:18:04
Thank you for your very thoughtful comments Hazel’s Anorexia worsened when 3 people told Hazel she was Fat , My Ex Wife , a dietician and a Ward Manager at a Mental health Hospital Because Hazel has autism and her understanding is limited she believes and follows through any suggestions and id directly influenced by what people say. It is a complete tragedy for her but we must do everything to try and help her now that she is in Hospital. thanks again . Laurence xxx
Aug 13, 2017 @ 09:10:52
I really am sorry to hear this. Why are people, especially professionals so tactless. I have a nephew with autism and I know he takes everything literally.! Wishing you all luck. 💜💜
Aug 12, 2017 @ 19:43:46
This is so powerful and quite moving…thanks for posting!
Aug 12, 2017 @ 19:49:56
Thank you we need to push the point💜
Aug 13, 2017 @ 06:24:36
I read Victo’s post too. This is very moving Willow and worrying. We need to teach healthy eating, moderation and kindness. A good point to emphasise well done Willow. 🙂
Aug 13, 2017 @ 07:12:05
Thank you Marje I do feel very strongly on this subject ❤️ it is very close to my heart. I might post some more of my older poems on eating disorders and depression. Sadly so many slip through the net. Hugs to you. 💜💜
Aug 13, 2017 @ 17:37:29
Thank you too Willow. These are very important subjects that should be discussed.
Aug 13, 2017 @ 18:12:51
I know Marje they are always being shoved under the carpet!
Aug 13, 2017 @ 13:46:28
It is such a huge problem and seems to be getting worse. The media don’t seem to help by constantly criticising those that are not the ‘ideal shape.’ and promototing models and celebrities that are stick thin.Your poem highlighted this problem so well. xxxx
Aug 13, 2017 @ 15:03:48
It is awful, I was on the brink after my first child, nearly 44 hrs ago. I was isolated and lonely. Luckily I got through, but you never forget. xxx
Aug 14, 2017 @ 06:31:28
It must have been terrifying Sis. I am so glad you came through without going down that road. xx
Aug 14, 2017 @ 09:12:35
Yes, I had children to bring up and I just knew that I had no choice but to cope. I still weight myself every morning … Stupid or what! 💜
Aug 14, 2017 @ 11:17:36
No, it is not stupid, Willow. xxx
Aug 14, 2017 @ 11:29:00
💜💗💜😶
Aug 13, 2017 @ 17:45:52
How true that is. Which is why I never wear my glasses when I look in the mirror. Nicely done, Willow.
Aug 13, 2017 @ 18:00:53
Bless, that’s a brilliant idea. Thank you for reading , hugs to you.
Oct 19, 2017 @ 06:03:55
Love it!
𝗖𝗵𝗲𝗰𝗸 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 💁 𝑴𝒊𝒓𝒓𝒐𝒓𝒔 💎
https://unpluggedcreations.com/2017/10/18/mirrors/
Dec 28, 2017 @ 22:26:13
Great post! Accurate, raw, and honest. Sometimes we are misled by our environments to believe that beauty is the impossible, designed robots in the media paid to reflect something they are not. Often it can be a learned behavior from family or friends. However, this is manifested, it’s deadly and I’m glad you are sharing your story in order to help others. 🙂
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:20:42
Life is never easy and no one has a perfect life 🌹🌹
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:21:48
Exactly!!! I agree💚
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:25:14
There is too much pretense in the world, sadly all the hype of the perfect family and the perfect Christmas that is spread About by the media just make things worse. 🌹💜
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:34:23
I agree! It’s just smoke and mirrors and I hope in my lifetime to make a change in other’s mindsets so that my son can have a different experience than I had!
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:36:07
That would be so good, but will we ever beat the circus. 💜
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:37:56
No the circus will continue, but I hope people like you and I can make some change😀😀
Dec 28, 2017 @ 23:44:41
Fingers crossed, I do hope so 💜
Aug 02, 2019 @ 22:50:54
It’s so true and so sad. I wish the media would open their eyes to the horrors they are creating and try to put this right xx
Aug 02, 2019 @ 22:53:03
Yes indeed 💜