Faces and Bodies

If we’re to deal in appearances
I ought to turn over my skin and prepare for public appeal.
When you ask me why bother to scrutinize the meal
I shall reply "to make sure it pulls no dirty tricks" and you’ll see no reason
To pound each limb hard to tight perfection
Is of course more valuable than beauty in the poem
Because to the figure you can respond
Whilst the concept is obsolete.


A million opportunities made available to submit and subscribe
Joining in on a run, no sight of the start or the ever increasing end.
Demand money for the word do you?
But I’ve never been paid in the first instance
And have only found aesthetic as tender.


When my body is used up
I have nothing left for which you’ll stay-
But then bank on your face in a league of faces
And you’ll bear but a photograph,
More worthless than a barter.


Keep quiet in the corner until your number’s up
Leave your books behind until your five minutes are up
They’ll hold you in contempt,
These representatives holding themselves in authority for everyone to see
I shall hold myself in contempt
For failing at the obvious
A phoney, a fraudster at which stage do I deserve divine right?
I’m just a face and a body-
In a sea of faces and bodies.