Self-portraits

"We can begin today's lesson,
If you guys will settle down"
The art teacher said as she passed the sheets around

After a brief introduction
Of Van Gogh and Kahlo
"You will draw yourselves!", she said in tow

Some snickered, others sighed
"But that's so boring"
While others began with crayons, exploring

The teacher looked over them
While they drew on their canvas
How they interpreted and expressed of themselves

What the teacher saw
Shocked her to no end
While the kids used colors to mix and blend

The pretty one in front
With the bright hazel eyes
Thought of herself as massive thighs

The other one beside her
With the high cheekbones and bow
Drew on herself a crooked unibrow

The broad-shouldered guy
With perfect dribbles and throws
Outlined on himself a disfigured nose

One after the other, the teacher saw
That glowy skin was too short
The best smile was reduced to a wart

Alarmed, the teacher suggested
Another sheet and to write
Everything they thought in the world were alright

There was baking and gymnastics
Volleyball practise and biographies
Mathematics and music - RnB and country

There were families and pets
Favorite soups and friends
Philately and collection of vintage pens

The kids had faith, in bigger and better
And every one of them had interests
As unique as the rest

Each face was a story, a purposeful breath
The scar from when she fell from a swing
A comforting touch, a battle within

But when it came to their own
They managed to see nothing more
Than reflections of others' cowardice disguised as truth-sore

The bell rang as it was the end of the hour
And the teacher wished for them a rightful mirror
For the kids to see what they truly are