My flesh and my thoughts
meet in the mirror.
They argue right in front of me.
Like resentful parents
picking their stories apart
as if I’m not there
waiting for a happy ending.
I am invisible.
The cursing doesn’t stop.
It only gets louder
when they come to an agreement
that this home,
the skin I walk into every day
and the mind that used to wander
with her head up
is too broken for anyone to love.
This poem is about my first toxic relationship: body image. It's terribly sad to think about how our bad experiences as teenagers leave a lasting impression because our minds, bodies, and souls are so fragile around that time. I wish I was taught how to love myself no matter who hurt me or made me feel like I wasn't enough. If I ever have children, it's definitely what I'm teaching them.
