You are expected to tear yourself open
To be stretched taut to the limit you weren't aware you had
The amount of bravery it takes isn't comparable to the pain you must endure
And finally when you are able
You are exposed, stripped bare of the walls you once held dear
Their eyes wide open, yet minds not quite
Looking at every minute detail until every shred of you is no more
You are resented for what they have seen
By the very ones who forced your hand
Given to you almost instantly, a golden plaque of solitude
For now you are alone
Left naked and vulnerable
But instead of covering your whisper of a body
You open your arms, inviting anyone who dares
On display is every bit of you
Like an exhibit
Let them criticize, you are already judged
For every brush stroke, you communicate the truth
*Darling, you are the art