I love myself I love myself I love myself
the dark circles
that traced along freckled skin
hiding underneath my eyes
imitating lurking shadows
were never caused by lack of sleep
but hatred
I walked along a tightrope
every time you opened your lips
unwoven threads
dug into my skin
callouses piling up like blankets
I used my arms as barricades
because they were the only armor that I ever knew
because you never told me that I'm beautiful
because you never taught me
how to love myself
and even now
even after you've
used up all of your tears
to cultivate a garden
along my scars
a bundle of insecurity
is still etched into my eyes
every time I look at
myself in the mirror
a bundle of insecurity
is still carved onto my skin
a reminder of my demons
a bundle of insecurity
is still resting at the
pit of my stomach
ready to bloom