Pretty Is As Pretty Does

This is my first published poem. Published by the National Library of Poetry in 1994

Momma am I pretty our daughter ask me one day?
Wait a litte while is what I had to say.
A funny look on her face is what she showed me.
Then I thought may God help her to see.
A pretty face is a beautiful sight to see,
But what's inside is more important to me.
Because pretty is as pretty does.

A little girl that has an ugly face is sometimes more prettier it seems.
Her good persoinality or the inner person is what I mean.
Your clothes may be what every girl would like to wear,
But can you go through life with the criticism an ugly girl has to bear.
When your hair is all up in curls,
Not even that will make you a pretty girl.
God looks at the heart and man look at the outward appearance.
Now that is why I say pretty is as pretty does.

Copyright Clara R. Dorsey All Rights Reserved Reprint By Permission Only