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This writing was accepted for publication in the 84 page perfect-bound issue... cc&d magazine (v204) (the January 2010 Issue) This is also available from our printer as a a $7.47 paperback book (5.5" x 8.5") perfect-bound w/ b&w pages

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Trying to be Beautiful

Sonya Feher

Sometimes, there’s a group of bodies, topless
teenage girls oiling each other, debating
a trip to the pool or should they
make brownies, maybe spend the whole day
pampering themselves with green clay
masks and nail polish.

By the time the discussion ends, sodas are finished,
and the neighbor boys start walking
down the driveway, the girls are sunburned,
their rarely exposed cleavage blistered
second degree, soft skin bubbles
popped by elastic on their bras.

So it is a rush for towels,
t-shirts acting as pillows now jerked on
to visit the kitchen, another remember-when session
with potato chips dipped in cottage cheese, Hostess cupcakes
unwrapped from plastic packaging.

Eventually the boys pretend to go home but spy
while girls make believe they don’t notice
giggles from outside, occasional bumps
against the window. Their hair pulled off necks
so Noxzema can soothe their bellies,
their backs, those freckles
that won’t be lightened by lemon juice,
boys hoping for more
glimpses of pink pink skin.

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