Star Poem by Paula M. Puddephatt

so in control
or seemingly so
a ballerina
executing
another perfect
pirouette
perfected through
repeated practice
flawless
like her
still baby-soft skin

no-one apparently noticing
that those hollow cheekbones
are tear-stained
again

blonde anorexic
so young
too young
sweet and glamorous

another falling angel
and crying
again

her true beauty
her essence
she hides
inside
her secret inner space
where she is herself
authentic
perfect in her very imperfection
a star