I only went in for a lipstick

I only went in for a lipstick,
To replace my pearly pink stub.
The assistant peered closer and closer
And suggested an exfoliating rub.

Then examining me even closer
And holding her mirror up high
She asked, ‘Had I noticed the creases?’
And then shook her head with a sigh.

‘I can help with droopy lids too,’ she said softly,
(So others nearby didn’t hear)
But the jars, tubes and gels fast mounting up…
Made it so embarrassingly clear!

‘Did you know that your lips have lost collagen too?
And the lines are all jagged and frayed,
Can you see how they ‘bleed’… have an unflattering hue?
And how colour will not keep its shade?’

On her tray she placed a concealer,
And a couple of fillers to plaster,
I tried to protest; I really had no idea…
That my face was such a disaster.

I worried that this could be costly
As she reached for shadow and brush
I tried to protest…quite softly,
But was silenced with a sweet smiling …’Hush’.

My shoulders were slumped,
My smile disappeared
But she told me that all was not lost,
A cream and a pencil suitably tiered
Would be effective… and flatteringly glossed.

I looked again in the mirror,
The cruelty of Mother Nature’s trick
The day had started quite brightly
I’d only gone in…for a pearly pink stick!

“I Only Went in for a Lipstick” is a delightful and relatable poem that captures a common experience many of us have faced. With a touch of humor and a dash of self-deprecation, the poem narrates a simple trip to buy a lipstick that turns into an unexpected beauty consultation. The poet’s vivid descriptions and clever rhymes paint a picture of an increasingly flustered customer, bombarded with suggestions for various beauty treatments. From creases and droopy lids to jagged lip lines, the poem humorously highlights the beauty industry’s knack for making us question our appearance, even when we’re just after a simple lipstick.

The poem’s strength lies in its ability to evoke empathy and laughter simultaneously. It gently pokes fun at the beauty industry’s tactics while acknowledging the very human desire to look our best. The final stanza brilliantly brings the poem full circle, reminding us of the initial, innocent intention that started it all.

This gem of a poem is part of Lillian Bradbury’s book “Welcome to my World,” a collection that promises to be as witty and insightful as this featured piece. Bradbury, a Yorkshire-based writer, has a keen eye for the everyday moments that make life both amusing and poignant. Her work invites readers to see the extraordinary in the ordinary, to laugh at life’s little absurdities, and perhaps to feel a bit better about their own experiences with the sometimes overwhelming world of beauty and self-image.

If you’ve enjoyed this taste of Bradbury’s work, why not dive deeper into her world? “Welcome to my World” offers a treasure trove of observations and reflections that are sure to resonate, entertain, and perhaps even provide a new perspective on the small dramas of daily life.

Explore “Welcome to my World” on Amazon