The day you decide to stop looking in the mirror
Your Body
Like punctuation
Stopping you in your tracks
Puzzle Piecing your mouth shut
Gritting your teeth at the limbs
that steal the space around you.
Screw up your face into an actor
Memorizing mouth sounds
That scream out the parts of yourself you pick apart
Reciting the words
I am here
I am here
I am here.
When you decide to look in the mirror
Your body
The one that holds you
up
Up
up
Glowing with all of your bad days
eyes gleaming at the surface
Your face so perfectly its own
The freckles on your cheek
Veins trailing up your arms
Scars on your thighs
you are so vividly living
Learning to take up all of the space you need.
Comments
"Learning to take up all the space you need"... wow. Striking last words at the end of a striking poem. It's easy to read this as if you are speaking to me directly, and I know so many readers would feel the same; at some point in their lives, just about everyone is familiar with that feeling of disappointment in themselves when looking in the mirror. But midway through, a clear shift is made, one of self-acceptance, flaws and all, and it warmed my heart.
Have you ever read "The Bell Jar"? It's been many, many years since I've read it, but I always remember this quote: “I took a deep breath and listened to the old brag of my heart. I am, I am, I am.” Your piece reminded me of that line.
I am so glad this poem was a piece you could relate to! that is always my goal when I write poetry about accepting oneself and becoming comfortable with the things we try and hide. I truly appreciate the feedback, and as for the book "The Bell Jar" I haven't read it but after reading that line I would be happy to check it out!!
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