What does the poem my makeup by rochelle kraut mean?

In the poem "My Makeup" by Rochelle Kraut, the speaker uses cosmetics to construct an external persona that diverges from her genuine identity. As a protective layer, she dons a "shield of pink," "mask of red," and "disguise of blue." She creates this disguise to deflect the negative thoughts and emotions that could undermine her self-esteem.

Using makeup as a metaphor, the speaker illustrates the contrast between her outer and inner selves. She creates a façade that shields her from the harsh realities of life, particularly those arising in the realm of romantic relationships. While she outwardly portrays confidence and control, her inner world is fraught with self-doubt and vulnerability.

The speaker implies that societal pressures and expectations influence her use of makeup. To meet society's standards of attractiveness and fit in, she conforms to conventional norms. However, this conformity takes its toll on her, as she longs to express her authentic self without the constraints imposed by societal expectations.

Additionally, she explores the fleeting nature of beauty and makeup. Just as makeup fades over time, so does the external persona she has created. This theme alludes to the fragility of appearance and the importance of embracing one's true self, even when it differs from the idealized image projected by society.

Overall, the poem "My Makeup" delves into the complex interplay between self-perception, societal expectations, and the mask of beauty that makeup represents, highlighting the struggle to maintain a balance between external conformity and internal authenticity.