i dont want to be pretty like that, not in the way
that the beauty fades as soon as i open my mouth.


i want to be pretty in the way that sweet words
roll out of my tongue and people taste my beauty with
their mind rather than their eyes.


i dont want to be pretty like that, not in the way
that i draw all of the attention in the room to me.


i want to be pretty in the way wildflowers hidden
in the most unlikely of places are pretty. i want
people to stop and think she changes the way i
see weeds.


i dont want to be pretty like that, not in the way
that overshadows the beauty of others.

i want to be pretty like when you reread a letter
from an old friend. when you look at me, you are
reminded of all that is valuable in you.

~ whitney hanson