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This girlchild was born as usual
and presented dolls that did pee-pee
and miniature GE stoves and irons
and wee lipsticks the color of cherry candy.
Then in the magic of puberty, a classmate said:
You have a great big nose and fat legs.
She was healthy, tested intelligent,
possessed strong arms and back,
abundant sexual drive and manual dexterity.
She went to and fro apologizing.
Everyone saw a fat nose on thick legs.
She was advised to play coy,
exhorted to come on hearty,
exercise, diet, smile and wheedle.
Her good nature wore out
like a fan belt.
So she cut off her nose and her legs
and offered them up.
In the casket displayed on satin she lay
with the undertaker's cosmetics painted on,
a turned-up putty nose,
dressed in a pink and white nightie.
Doesn't she look pretty? everyone said.
Consummation at last.
To every woman a happy ending.
Marge Piercy
| Submitted Date |
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Thursday, January 01, 2004 |
| Submitted Date |
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Monday, June 06, 2011 |
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Read poems about / on: candy, pink, magic, woman, nature, happy, smile, women
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Comments about this poem (Barbie Doll
by
Marge Piercy
) |
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Makanaka Sly (8/16/2011 8:56:00 AM)
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who is being desribed in this poem?
why the use of the word 'girichild'
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Ken E Hall (6/4/2011 5:56:00 PM)
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Beauty is indeed only skin deep laid bare in this delightful poem a pleasure to read, ...regards
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Mohammad Shazad (11/6/2009 12:20:00 PM)
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The derisive imagery and ironic tone of the poem denounce the patriarchal system and gender discrimination of the modern society. The supposed perfection of the female body that this poem idealizes is simply not achievable. In reality a small percentage of female population would live up to the standards set for them. The woman’s attempt to emulate Barbie’s appearance is a deviation from her originality. This process of transformation is inherently destructive for the woman that forcibly undergoes changes which are contrary to her natural behaviors. The poem holds a mirror up to our own vanity and reveals the rampant destruction of self-worth that comes from comparing the normal to the unreal. Piercy has successfully diverted the reader’s attention to the fact that forcing the people, especially women, into restrictive roles and ideals may prove disastrous, leading to emotional conflicts that are often difficult if not impossible to resolve. The standards set for them are too high to achieve and resultantly many women may fall into depression and low self esteem.
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Eithne Queen of Celts (6/28/2008 1:15:00 AM)
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Just be yourself! don't listen to what this stupid modern society sais...Everyone is beautiful in his/her unique way and don't forget that true beauty comes from within, people!
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