I cut a fringe to hide my frown lines
I hate my frown lines but I love myself
– no –
I hate myself but love my frown-lines
– no –
I love my frown-lines and myself but
I don’t like how they look in the mirror
– no –
I cut a fringe because I cannot afford botox
– no –
I don’t want to inject myself with poison
– but –
I really don’t want to see
those frown-lines staring back at me
and so
a fringe I cut.
© Experimentsinfiction 2021, All Rights Reserved
Written for dVerse
Lisa is hosting dVerse poetics, and she has asked us to write about edges, or fringes. This got me thinking about cutting my hair into a fringe. I had one as a teenager but I hated it because my hair was too thick and curly, so I grew it out and wore my hair in a side-parting. Then these very marked frown lines started to appear on my forehead (I guess because I’m quite a serious person) until in the end I just didn’t want to look at them any more. It was either botox or a fringe, so I took the less drastic option.
I have written about self-acceptance, and it’s a wonderful thing, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. This is the kind of nonsense that goes on in my head as I journey towards self-acceptance. The photo is not me, but I rather like the hairstyle…
Experiments in Fiction 
This is different, Ingrid, and very effective! I used to have a fringe, but I got fed up with it growing over my glasses, so I let it grow out.
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I preferred not to have one but I don’t think I’ll get botox just yet 😅
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I had not thought of the fringe as a way of hiding the frown-lines… I just thought it was fashion. I love the way your mind goes around in circles coming back with those bangs.
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The mind can be a strange place at times!
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Fun but with a deep message, Ingrid. Isn’t easy is right, especially when you are one voice in a chorus in the world.
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Thanks Lisa. I’m pleased you appreciated my message!
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You’re very welcome.
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Yellow checks Ingrid. Go for it! 🙂
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I might just… 👩🏻🎤
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🤩😂
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You managed to write a fun poem with a serious message.
We call them bangs here, but fringe is such a better word. The problem with having them is it takes forever to grow out!
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I thought maybe this was the case, but I wasn’t sure if bangs meant the same as fringe. Now, at last, I know!
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Haha… I was wondering where I could find a fringe line … ..
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💇♀️
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don’t hide the frowns share them with the world. mine show the world i have been to the university of life and still survive to share what i have learnt.
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The university of life! The best one 😊
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The way you cut this poem, brilliant. The lines spliced. Oh, the fringe. Love it and hate it. Great write.
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Thanks! ✂️
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the whole dichotomy of keeping up appearances and self-acceptance masterfully written Ingrid!
I love that cut and colour, our national colours, must be an aussie model :)
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Oh really? It’s great isn’t it? When my hair turns white I think I’ll dye it purple…
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lol I went white far younger than you are now. Hennaed it for years but go natural now, attempting to look mature :)
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I am pretty much all grey. White I could live with!
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it will happen soon enough, don’t wish it on yourself :)
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Unique take on prompt, thoughtfully developed and delivered. Thanks, Ingrid.
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Thank you Ron.
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I like the term fringe. I wonder why there were ever called “bangs” to begin with! Never thought about it before. Now I shall always wonder what’s under the fringes!
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I never understood if the term ‘bangs’ meant ‘fringe’ or pigtails…until now!
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This felt like a stream of consciousness to me, Ingrid – was it? Or did you deliberately shape the poem to make it feel that way? Either way, wow, well done!
-David
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The words were, but I cut it like that on purpose!
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It’s a great poem. The repetition is very effective. But character is beautiful. You are beautiful because of who you are not because of a line or two on your forehead. But cutting a fringe can feel liberating and new. So I hope you love it.
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I know. Some days I can live with them! I do like my fringe when it’s not too short 😅
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…and a colorful fringe it is Ingrid! This was a fun read… :)
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Thanks Rob – I didn’t have anything heavy left in me last night!
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Love it!
When my hair started going white I started dyeing it – I tried pink and purple and blue, but they didn’t really work for me. I’ve settled on green. But I think you could pull off purple. :D
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I guess I’ll find out…green sounds good too 🧑🎤
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Green is a more natural look :D
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I cut my center part into bangs for style, but never grew it back out for the same reason. I too love that striped fringe!. (K)
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You described that cyclical self-consciousness so well, Ingrid! I wore fringe/bangs to hide a scar.
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I love this little glimpse into vanity and self-acceptance.
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Thanks – I try to banish one and embrace the other, but it can be easier said than done!
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I like your internal discussion. I do this all the time. As for fringe, I haven’t the patience to grow mine out.
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No matter how you cut it, you’re beautiful, fringe or no fringe and def no botox needed. well, don’t listen to me cuz i just let it go.. no poison goin on here,. 🤣🤗
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I don’t know what I’d do with myself if I was unable to frown 😂😂😂
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Oh that’s funny.. I’m sooo laughing!🤣🤣🤣
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Ingrid I love how you keep circling back here. This is often how my mind works- well done!
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I did wonder if anyone else thinks like this. Nice to know I’m not alone!
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I really enjoyed this poem, especially how it’s so relatable. We all have elements of ourselves that we try to hide while attempting to accept all of ourselves at the same time.
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Yes, it’s a conundrum isn’t it? Thanks!
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I enjoyed how you played with the “cutting lines” (editing) aspect of the prompt while also using “cut” literally. Nicely done.
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Thank you!
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You brought out a true picture of what happens most times Ingrid. There are always choices but they make life difficult just choosing the likely one compared to what is desired.
Hank
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Thanks Hank.
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LOVE the illustration and LOVE the words here, Ingrid. You made me smile. My only question is, “Is your fringe two-toned like the model’s?”
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I’m glad I made you smile 😊 unfortunately my fringe is not like that…but it could be arranged!
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Ingrid, I cannot stop giggling … my fringe hides frown lines and sparse eyebrows. Aging is a challenge, let me tell you. On the other hand, it hides skin cancer surgery scars.
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Every cloud has a silver lining. You look fantastic and I love your hair 😊
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Wonderful poem!!!
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Thank you!
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You’re welcome :)
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Ha, I love it. My problem is eye wrinkles and a fringe won’t hide that sadly. ;))
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So let them smile 😊
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Absolutely. 😊🙌
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the repetition really added to the whole theme of the poem ! wonderful writing !
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Thank you i
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