secret to good skin

can we help this coconut Queen? my, my –
That brown outside look just seems ... less than white
We can do much better; I don’t know why

she shades her creamy middle from the light.

bottled skin or skin from a can will do

this honey look is good to glow all day.

we need to get these flavours right for you

A milky skin still better –here – I say –

get that beauty out of the sun – quick, now:

she might brown right up through her DNA.

we risk that skin burning into shadow

I think we better Blanchett once a day.

use oil to protect her as she plays.

and drizzle on that cream Australians love.

why even risk a browner, sun burnt face?

It’s much more wholesome with the dark removed.

to keep your cool, stay Under cover – There:

You want a colour like your cornflakes? no –

nobody wants you orange, just take care:

you might even have your skin go Coco.

How do you feel; a better, younger you?

You’re looking just a little pale and green.

I feel a bit off-colour, it’s quite true.

It’s crazy –she’s no colour to be seen.

where is that fresh look now? is it still there?

I can’t really see her. What can we do?

is it even visible? It’s not fair.

your skin’s ideal: how come We’re losing you?

 * Made from text 100% recycled from “Beyond the pale” by Alyssa McDonald, in Sunday Life, The Sun-Herald, December 10, 2010; pp. 12-15.