If I Took Off My Filter

Everythiing goes through a filter,

from the words we speak to the things we do.

And maybe, I enjoy looking normal

as "Valencia" hides my imperfections.

Because if I turn down the contrast,

you won't see my bruises;

And if I airbrush my face,

you won't see the burns;

And if I whiten my teeth, 

you won't see the long years of drugs and dumb choices,

Because of all the thoughts that ran through bad filters.

If I hold up a peace sign and make a duck face,

you'll make fun of my ignorance

instead of my scars.

If I wear crop tops and short shorts,

you'll see the flirtatious trend

instead of the eating disorder biting at my stomach.

If I hold up Starbucks,

you'll see the materialistic, overpriced logo

instead of the food I don't have at home.

If I own Nike or Victoria's Secret,

you'll see the expensive words

instead of my poor family that can't even afford it.

And we do this all for a smile,

and a couple of likes,

Because beauty is only skin deep.

But if you want to see the scars

I'm hiding underneath,

I'll turn off the filter.