Shoulds | Teen Ink

Shoulds MAG

February 20, 2010
By LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
"It is said that there's no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch." -Alan Guth


Am I supposed to be tall and thin
With almonds for eyes and honey for skin?
Do you want for my heart to have numbers inside
So my ribcage can show and my stomach can hide?
My features are round and my body is tough,
And I hear, “Tone it down – muscle isn't enough.
Let your bones tell the earth that you're ­gentle and light.
You can start with the scale, for the scale's ­always right!”
Is it wrong to have shape in my belly and thighs?
I would rather wear strength than a hunger-disguise.



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This article has 29 comments.


on Jul. 12 2013 at 11:28 am
CasimirPulaski SILVER, Columbia, Connecticut
5 articles 0 photos 10 comments
The brutality and honestly coming from this piece still rings true with the harsh reality of today. Sad to see that this is how we are living, but these words are timeless. A beautiful poem! :)

on Feb. 10 2012 at 7:22 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
"It is said that there's no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch." -Alan Guth

Your words mean a lot to me. I'm glad you like the poem.

on Jan. 31 2012 at 1:04 pm
beautifulspirit PLATINUM, Alpharetta, Georgia
35 articles 0 photos 1398 comments

Favorite Quote:
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.<br /> --Eleanor Roosevelt

Totally awesome---body image is so important nowadays, but people need to realize that you shouldn't obsess over trying to be someone else's idea of perfect. Great poem~

on Sep. 5 2011 at 3:14 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

Thank you - I'm glad you like it!

on Sep. 5 2011 at 3:14 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

Sure, I definitely will! Thanks for your comment!

on Sep. 5 2011 at 3:13 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

I also was anorexic and man, is it painful - even though it does not make sense. I know. I hope you get past it and please know that I've been there and it WILL get better.

on Sep. 5 2011 at 3:11 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

Thank you!

on Sep. 5 2011 at 3:11 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

Thanks so much!

on Jul. 11 2011 at 8:22 pm
Me22895 DIAMOND, Azle, Texas
77 articles 0 photos 30 comments

Favorite Quote:
If nothing ever changed, there would be no butterflies.

This is beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!

on Jul. 11 2011 at 7:54 pm
shoelessjoe GOLD, Highland, Michigan
19 articles 0 photos 48 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Don&#039;t tell me the sky&#039;s the limit when ther are footsteps on the moon&quot;<br /> &quot;Instead of waiting for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain&quot;<br /> &quot;The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams&quot;

I LOVE it! and i'm right there with you ;) Fantastic piece =D

jaygonz BRONZE said...
on Jul. 11 2011 at 5:55 pm
jaygonz BRONZE, Hialeah Gardens, Florida
4 articles 1 photo 17 comments

Favorite Quote:
Don&#039;t make someone a priority, when they only make you an option.

wow, the first line had me <3 this is really really good !

on Jul. 11 2011 at 5:06 pm
mauiijims13 SILVER, Loveland, Colorado
5 articles 2 photos 2 comments
i really like this. i wish i could think like this...im battling anorexia:/  sometimes it just takes over even though it doesnt make any sense

on Jul. 11 2011 at 11:13 am
ElleNicole BRONZE, St. Louis, Missouri
2 articles 0 photos 107 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;My role in society, or any artist&#039;s or poet&#039;s role, is to try and express what we all feel. Not to tell people how to feel. Not as a preacher, not as a leader, but as a reflection of us all.&quot;

I'm so glad this is published. This is an amazing message and your words are perfect.

Check out my poem? Thanks so much if you do, I really need more feedback!


on Mar. 8 2011 at 9:12 am
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

I'm glad you do, thank you! 

DaniDee BRONZE said...
on Feb. 23 2011 at 11:54 pm
DaniDee BRONZE, Klang, Other
2 articles 7 photos 4 comments

Favorite Quote:
I do to my body, what has been done unto my soul.

Amazing! I absolutely love this! :)

on Aug. 28 2010 at 3:26 pm
meganwagner21 PLATINUM, Old Bridge, New Jersey
42 articles 0 photos 139 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Sometimes good things have to fall apart so better things can fall together.&quot; -Marilyn Monroe<br /> &quot;Nobody can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.&quot; -Maria Robinson

thnx so much!

on Aug. 27 2010 at 5:26 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

Sure, I will!

on Aug. 27 2010 at 11:42 am
meganwagner21 PLATINUM, Old Bridge, New Jersey
42 articles 0 photos 139 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Sometimes good things have to fall apart so better things can fall together.&quot; -Marilyn Monroe<br /> &quot;Nobody can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.&quot; -Maria Robinson

ur welcome. check out my stuff wen it gets approved? :)

on Aug. 26 2010 at 3:27 pm
LihuaEmily SILVER, North Kingstown, Rhode Island
7 articles 3 photos 196 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;It is said that there&#039;s no such thing as a free lunch. But the universe is the ultimate free lunch.&quot; -Alan Guth

Hey, thanks!!

on Aug. 26 2010 at 11:54 am
meganwagner21 PLATINUM, Old Bridge, New Jersey
42 articles 0 photos 139 comments

Favorite Quote:
&quot;Sometimes good things have to fall apart so better things can fall together.&quot; -Marilyn Monroe<br /> &quot;Nobody can go back and make a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.&quot; -Maria Robinson

wow i love it ! the topic is serious, yet u rhymed the poem without making it sound childish. extremely talented! can relate well!