pretty

smug, that's what it is.
the flash of my teeth
and the glint in my eye
is
smug,
when that word is laid at my feet.
 
call the mountains tall,
the ocean deep,
and deep space wide
 
--and that's what "pretty" is to me.
 
"vain" you may call me, too,
but if only you knew...
 
i'm pretty on the inside too.
that is, if you
consider
the deep-ocean dark
just as pretty as wild spring blooms.
 
if you
love the fire
as much as its warmth.
 
if you
love the climb
like you love the view.
 
i know i do.
 
i know,
i don't need you
to call me pretty.
but thank you.