Once upon a time,
my skin was skin,
splendid,
as long as I kept it clean.

Now I’m told
by the TV, internet, and magazines,
my skin
needs plumping,
brightening,
smoothing,
anti-wrinkle cream.

The mirror
used to show my reflection –
it served a purpose
like a toothbrush
used to maintain oral hygiene.

Now a mirror reflects
not just my visage
but judgement;
flaws
that need fixing.

Now I’m the clingy lover,
insecure, as I hover
two inches from the glass surface
that is less fragile
than my self-esteem sometimes.

Living a life for another, made by others,
Anticipating and considering all these expectations,
Especially, for the fans who tolerate the process of expanding education and inspiration,
We’re doing everything we have to do to fulfill the next agent.
We are the creators of a new generation, influencing teens with the power of our platforms,
Reinforcing the idea of an effortless motivation.
To plan ahead, we’re moving forward,
Toward the subsequent destination.
We are the driving forces of multimedia nations,
Narcissism and low self-esteem are the feelings we’re morally inclined to,
Feeling our own bodies test addiction to a single notification,
We’re living in endless rotation.
Our minds have grown accustomed to the routines of checking the number,
Of likes and comments on the recent,
Even, lurking and giving into the guilty pleasure of stalking,
If the previous line resonates, then you’ve just justified our statistics and analytics.
The only way out is through resuscitation,
Deactivating can be deemed the easier option,
However, those who signed up for it can argue that widespread messages are the modern communication for our adolescents,
Setting a model for the next, following, and upcoming conversation.

In my mind
I am the only one
You dream about late at night
And my words are the sweetest lullabies
Making all the noise disappear
Fire bright, ignite in your mind
Bringing the sunrise to your long night
While your fantasies start to make sense
Because my dear, my love
My words become music combined with your scent
Synesthesia tonight, so please, let's dance
Here in the moonlight
Nothing about true romance
Just look at me, I'm the most beautiful delight
Let me shine, ignite in your arms
No fear, no harm
Only you and me, almost sublime
Just for tonight
I'm your most beautiful delight

His eyes wore the red of tears
wept, kept hidden from all
sight and sound to fester in
the darker crevices of his
crown. But now it’s spilled on
the ground in a puddle like
fresh blood from opened veins.

And now, with all those pounds
off his shoulders and the boulder
stuck in his throat now swallowed,
he makes the promise to sing
his own song, to write his own
lyrics and bear with any rebellion
to his rule. His rule over himself.


-
by Aleksander Mielnikow

in simple words,
i really like birds!
and all of the ways they sing.

sometimes i wish
i was a bird,
making my voice howl and ring.

theyre so triumphant
with their little voices,
something i can only dream to be.

but in a while,
ill shout with a smile;
ill scream a song, for all to see.

Believing yourself to be
Worthless
Is a horrible
Horrible
Thing
You live
And yet
You do not think yourself
To be deserving of being
Alive
For why
Should a useless thing
Exist