Reading readily rewrites my
reactions --
results in wondering what is right and
what
isn't

Self-worth
measured in:
1) pounds and
2) passing glances from

strangers

Model
Mode
Mole
Lode
Ode
Dome
Dole
Doe
Om
Meld these letters
Model the word

Healthy melissa you need to eat
Healthier she says as she
eyes my tightish jeans, the belt
bisecting my hips splitting each in
two
I eye them too.
Healthy is in the
eye
of the beholder

My body is baudelarious.
Hilarious,
no?

I make mistakes.
you understand this
flaw of mine my
only one, I guess if
you think about it...
you explain it with
your perfect phrases:
"Little Imperfections"
"Nobody's Perfect"
"I Love You"

until I mess up

Then,
you don't miss me
you no longer take
me

being perfect, you stop
mistaking me for
someone who you
love

I collect secrets
gathering them up like
a squirrel holds chestnuts in its cheeks
I hold them, in anticipation of
leaner times
that way, I will be
fine
fine
when winter arrives -
when I am left
alone