| Cozey Feature |

We’ve Got a Winner!

By Bashie Lisker | November 21, 2023

**We 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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