Beauty Rarely Poem by Casey Renee Kiser / snail viXen

What are the requirements of a beauty pageant judge? ?

I once thought I could judge beauty.

Beauty rarely
owns a swimsuit
or an evening gown
or has perfect teeth
or the right size thighs

or has sincere joy while waving to the crowd.

Beauty is wealth of the soul
and sometimes, poverty of the bones.
Beauty is a child's smile
before the crushing pain of broken dreams.
Beauty is getting up and brushing off your ego.
Beauty is listening, even when it feels like
your ears are going to fall off.
Beauty is encouraging someone
because it will benefit them, NOT YOU.
Beauty is a broken back at start
but a lifted spirit at the finish line.
Beauty is a kiss of true love in the pouring rain.

Beauty rarely
happens on the main stage
or in the spotlight.
And beauty rarely
gets applause.