Cosmetic Colouration

I try to show to you my prettiest feathers

I cock my head up

Can’t you see my confidence

That I’m desperate to portray?

 

I’m trying to catch your attention 

Trying to appear utterly desirable

Yet despite my best attempts

You still won’t look this way

 

No longer relaxed

Feeling inadequate

And therefore—acting quite grandiose

 

This compensatory behaviour 

That I consciously and unconsciously produce

Feels disingenuous and gross

 

It’s all your fault—I like you

You make me act this way

Perhaps if mine— or your wings were broken

You’d be more inclined to stay

 

But they are not

You are you

And I am me

This is the way— things are meant to be

 

No matter if my feathers are rough or soft

Or if they are yellow,

Blue,

Pink— or green

 

In my eyes you are magnificent

But in yours

I am not seen