A picture
Too often (these aren't lies)
I see a lot of girls and guys
Liking and sharing pics online
Of couples smiling in the sunshine
And the caption is along the lines
Of "Relationship goals" and I'm wondering why
A picture.
A picture can tell a thousand words
But most times it has got nothing to say
With a billion plus selfies on Instagram
Does that mean that's a billion priceless times? Slam
that laptop shut and look in the mirror
Because a picture captures a moment but never the clearer
Picture of the reality of the struggles and victories of the so-called happy people
And a thousand likes later one user's envious like never before
Because of a picture.
A picture doesn't begin to tell half the story
A picture leaves enough for the imagination; it's a mystery
Because for one to know how happy, sad, excited or hurt a person really was
They'd need to have been there and seen it with their eyes
So why do we give so much power to something with a million interpretations but just one definition
Known only by the one behind the camera and whatever is in front of it
When your opinion and perception and everybody else's hate is irrelevant
A picture.
Pick up a magazine and take a look at the model
All "perfect skin", "perfect body", beautiful smile, when all she really needs is a cuddle
Because after that stressful photoshoot with dozens of eyes ogling her
She runs back to her room and cries out why life did this to her
Because behind the facade and the lies and the happy smiles lies a girl who's broken and in need of love
Then she sits in a puddle of her tears, her rosy cheeks glistening from the light reflection as she sends a little prayer above
So before you place your hopes and dreams
Upon a picture depicting happiness that may not be
A series of pixels of many colours and hues
Pay attention, don't fall for the ruse
Get up and get your own happiness
Because only you can truly know how happy you are, sweet;
That is the only selfie you can truly believe in
A picture worthy of a thousand words
