The Same Poem by Phyllis Strong

Would I look the same if my eyes were black,
not brown.
Would I look the same if my nose were smaller,
not plump and round.

Would I look the same if my lips were smaller;
So thin where would lipstick go?
Would I look the same if my hair was longer;
get a weave, buy a wig, let it grow.

Would I look the same if I were tall and thin?
Belly button out, not in,
had a double chin.

Would I look the same if I gain 100 pounds;
My face so fat, my eyes you could barely see,
and when I walk, had to swing my arms;
to get to where I needed to be.

If I changed my features,
and gained weight or got thin;
I would look different on the outside, you see.
But what counts, is the inside;
that's really me.

So if my appearance changes,
and you have to look twice and ask,
"Is that you? "
Once I open my mouth,
my character would come through.

© Phyllis Strong