if i hated myself even more i wouldn’t be here

if i appreciated myself i would be a different color, writing better poetry, living the life i should be leading

every part of me is shattered, but it wouldn’t be if i actually glanced into the mirror and saw a girl who could measure up

there’s something wrong about me speaking my mind
but there’s no respectable reason why
  —i hate myself, but i never hated you

if i appreciated myself, i would be in love with the blood in my veins, the sunburns on my face,
the flood waters i emerged from in my dismissible past,
the skin color i was born with

but your mind can hold your body hostage

your mind is more powerful than the words of affirmations you utter by your bedside mirror

i hate myself