The Girl She Used To Be

This really is an interesting poem overall. This character holds so much sadness from within themselves. the imagery here is simple but I enjoyed what you were trying to say here. From what I could tell you used the prompts well. I can see this as a past and present poem. As in the first half of the poem this person has destroyed their life. She uses make up to try and help cover up the scars or life she does not want to see. I enjoyed the double sad of this as well. The ending is showing who she used to be . I really enjoyed the message you were trying to say as well. Alcohol and addiction really does destroy your life. Overall beautiful and strong write to show what can be good and bad. Well done.

This was a really interesting story you told, I was surprised you got this from your prompts. Normally lipstick messages involve love stories or a break up etc, so this was really interesting to go down a self-portrait/life type topic.

I like the opening when you give so much detail that we can clearly imagine the scene, and her standing there before the mirror in the bathroom. The message is introduced here but you do not tell us who directly at the time which leaves us thinking on still.

"crappy" - I do not like this word for poetry. I think here you have used such powerful words and description that you could find a better word for the apartment, even dirty, run-down, cheap etc. Just look up a thesaurus even for the word. It would continue the flow of powerful words and not make the reader stumble on this less attractive word.

You then show us that the message was from this friend and we get the impression it is not the first time this has happened, like they have become used to this routine of binge drinking and waking up so tired and unaware of where there life is headed.

I like the reflection in this poem, looking back to her childhood, I would imagine she is thinking of what dreams she had, where she would want to be in her life at this age, perhaps all the mistakes she has made and wondering why she is continuing the way she is.

nice story and good idea for the prompts. well done