avatarEmily Wilcox

Summary

A young boy faces ridicule for wearing lipstick but perseveres, eventually becoming a celebrated figure for his bravery and self-love.

Abstract

The poem "A Boy in Lipstick" narrates the journey of a boy who faces mockery and teasing when he first wears lipstick to school. Despite the harsh words and the grey skies of adversity, he embraces his love for the color red, applying it to his lips every morning. His determination is unwavering, as he understands that love can sometimes be painful. Ultimately, his courage to express himself transforms him into a hero and a star, inspiring change in the world and proving that his choice was indeed worthwhile.

Opinions

  • The initial reaction to the boy's choice to wear lipstick is negative, with his peers laughing, mocking, and making fun of him.
  • The boy's experience of being teased and called a "loser" represents the darkness that can accompany societal rejection.
  • Red lipstick holds a special significance for the boy, symbolizing vibrancy and self-love, despite the association with pain.
  • The boy's resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to his deep understanding of love's complexities.
  • The narrative concludes with an affirmation of the boy's impact, suggesting that his boldness to be true to himself has led to meaningful change and recognition.

A Boy in Lipstick

A poem about self-love

Photo by Guido Fuà on Unsplash

They laughed at him that first time. When he walked on into school. They mocked and stared, made fun of him. They thought he was a fool.

His lips ablaze with colour, Yet the skies overhead fell grey. Teasing tore into darkness, “You look like a loser,” they’d say.

Red was always his favourite. Vibrant, thick, and crisp. But once it was no longer lipstick, Still as red, but split with a lisp.

Never did it stop him, though. For love he knew sometimes meant pain. So he painted his face each morning. For love, he’d endure it all again.

And now he’s on stage — a hero. A star inferno burning atop his smile. The boy in lipstick who changed the world. Yeah. I think it was pretty worthwhile.

Poetry
Poem
Poetry On Medium
Writing
Self Love
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