We’ve Got a Winner!
| November 21, 2023We asked Cozey readers to send us their thoughts on body language, and we got some beautiful writing in response!
A shift in one direction, a roll of the eyes, a genuine smile… Sometimes, there’s more truth in our body language than in our words. We asked Cozey readers to send us their thoughts on body language, and we got some beautiful writing in response! Enjoy the winning piece and the honorable mentions below.
Winner
See You
by Shayna T. Mason
I see you smiling, a pretty, perfect smile I see you, a normal girl, stoic expression portrayed
With your arms open wide Your arms crossed
You stand tall You slouch
Confident impression Diffident impression
But then comes along But then comes along
An awkward girl An awkward girl
Your gaze is clear, it sneers Your gaze is clear, I fear
“You’re not welcome here” It says, “You’re welcome here”
“Join me,” I call “Join me,” you call
As you glare With a smile
“C’mon” I say, “We don’t need her.” F
You don’t see her for who she really is I see her for who she really is
A bright, struggling girl A girl who will never belong
You just don’t see the brand names You just see a chesed project
Just wait, you’ll see Just wait, you’ll realize
It’s worth my time It’s not worth your time
One day, I hope you see the truth.
Runner Up
A Separate World
by Fraidy Moster
Eyes roaming
hands explaining
with various motions
but all she gets
in return
are blank stares
squinting eyes
twitching lips
no one understands
it’s like…
a separate world
When she enters
they all turn
their eyes seizing her
up and down
but when she
picks up her head
her eyes glittering
with unshed tears
searching
for just one
understanding
glance
they all turn away
she’s different
she’s not like them
it’s like she’s…
a separate world
It’s like a game
they all got the pieces
they all heard the instructions
only she didn’t
they all got a turn
they all gave their opinion
only she stands alone
her mind jumbling
her hands limp
as the cards are flying
she’s trying
to comprehend
to understand
to explain
but her mind is blank
and theirs
too full to listen
it’s impossible
– a separate world –
Runner Up
Body Language
by Rachelli S., 14
They give me the clue
Your arms, your eyes
Portraying what is true
They cancel out the lies
Whispering secrets in my ear
Silent as your hidden heart
Grabbing the hints as they near
And your emotions as they depart
All you ever try to hide
All the twists and the ties
They all so clearly collide
With your vulnerable, evident eyes
I scrutinize your restless gait
And search for your hidden pain
As you try to keep up with the rate
To assure that you’re still sane
You try to grin
But your muscles are tight
You dream to win
But it’s a never-ending fight
So don’t try to conceal
Don’t bury it deep inside
For I see what is real
And every time your body lied.
Runner Up
Powerful Language
by Miriam Weiss, 14
There is a strongly underestimated part of our being that represents our genuine inner self. Our bodies have an unimaginable power of portrayal that words can sometimes not truly express. There is nothing quite as powerful as conveying your inner thoughts and emotions through facial expression.
The slightest twitch of a facial feature can uncover a world of its own, previously disguised to its viewer. The very form in which your body is positioned will grant the world entry into your current state of mind.
My elementary school principal would constantly quote the following: “Your face is a reshus harabim. Be certain it portrays what you wish for the world to view.” This powerful statement needs no words of explanation.
(Originally featured in Cozey, Issue 987)
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