Description
“Look a Little Closer in the Mirror, My Dear” puts a spin on classic villanesque poetry while discussing a modern feminist issue: body image. Inspired by Susan Bordo’s ideas on the “tyranny of slenderness”, this poem considers the reality of women in the 21st century and comments on their struggles facing society’s expectations for female bodies. The poem begins as the voice of society, directing women on how to pose and dress. However, as the poem progresses, the voice becomes cautionary, warning women of the social impact that mirrors and social media can have on the mind. “Look a Little Closer in the Mirror, My Dear” subtly breaks the rhyme scheme of a villanelle poem, metaphorically encouraging women to break the norm that subjects women’s bodies and minds to harmful lifestyles.
Look A Little Closer in the mirror, my dear
by Elizabeth Suby
Look a little closer in the mirror, my dear
Arch your back, suck it in, pucker up
You will learn that your body is just a souvenir
Never trust a girl, we are all insincere
Buy that dress, you look so thin, but
Look a little closer in the mirror, my dear
As you grow old, each year after year
The mirror lies, the scale has eyes
You will learn that your body is just a souvenir
You begin to shrink, you begin to disappear
You look incredible, they say, but
Look a little closer in the mirror, my dear
The mirror will make sure you see things unclear
The reflection staring back should be riddled with fear
You will learn that your body is just a souvenir
Throw away your phone, save yourself a tear
If not, everyday it will whisper in your ear:
Look a little closer in the mirror, my dear
You will learn that your body is just a souvenir
​
​