Barbie at 50

Twas fifty years ago this week
a full-grown doll was born quite sleek.
She was the shape of things to come.
Yes, Barbie rocked our world.

With features most men idolize,
this doll helped young girls fantasize
about the day they'd come of age
and wear what Barbie wore.

This plastic toy devoid of fat
(whose chest was never ever flat)
became the standard for young girls
of what was beautiful.

They hoped and prayed they'd measure up
to what filled Barbie's size D cup.
And though they giggled while they played,
their self-worth was destroyed.

And as they reached their teenage years,
they faced the mirror with countless tears.
Compared to Barbie, they weren't much.
At least that's how it seemed.

And all because a little doll
(that's just about twelve inches tall)
has challenged what God says is true...
"We all are beautiful!"

It's time that we expose the lie.
She isn't real. She'll never die.
At fifty, Barbie should at least
have wrinkles and some gray.

* This week's poem is dedicated to Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, who resigned as leader of the ministry last month. For years Dr. Dobson cautioned young parents about the self-image issues young girls face when they play with Barbie dolls.