...And I Laugh

You tell me I am pretty … and I laugh
Because all I ever see is in my mirror is ugliness
You tell me I am smart … and I laugh
Because all I ever think of are the things I don’t know
You tell me I am talented … and I laugh
Because all I ever focus on are my failed attempts at my art

You tell me I am beautiful … and I laugh
Because I’ve never been able to take a compliment
You tell me I am strong … and I laugh
Because I’ve never felt anything other than weak
You tell me I am graceful … and I laugh
Because I’ve never been able to dance.

You tell me I am sexy … and I laugh
Because I see myself as undesirable
You tell me I am compassionate … and I laugh
Because I see the walls around my heart
You tell me that I am generous … and I laugh
Because I see my own selfish motivations

You tell me I am perfect to you … and I laugh
Because all I ever see are my flaws

You tell me that you love me … and I laugh
Because I’ve never loved myself