On Being Liked And Loved Poem by Keith Shorrocks Johnson

I used to think that the best way
To deal with being and staying liked
Was to get to work on yourself
With make-up and jewelry
To cover the imperfections
That would otherwise be visible.

So that the cosmetic applications
And delicate, intricate metalwork
That I put in place artfully
Might substitute for virtues.

At least that is what I thought
When I was young and foolish:
It seemed to be the way to go
But it was not the way it turned out.

Out of all my fair-weather admirers
Nobody explained what is important -
Which is that love is deeper than looks:
That all your flaws
Tears and tantrums
Mood swings and evasions

May be viewed as mysterious depths of feeling
And delightful riddles by those who truly love you.