The Critic

She gives me that look

You know the one?

Like I'm worth nothing

Like I'm too ugly and pathetic

And she's annoyed she's had to notice me

That even with my ribs sticking out

I'm grossly overweight

My hair's too frizzy

For her ever critical eye

My nose too pointy

My eyes too small

My lids too creased

My lips too thin

The hair above my lips

Too disgusting for words

I shrink beneath her withering gaze

But that just brings her notice

To my slouching shoulders

I can't even stand up straight!

She sneers at my rounded belly

At the dimples on my thighs

'Til I want to die of shame

Whispering cruel nothings

In my too-large ear

The running commentary persists

Until finally, crushed, I turn away

Wrap my towel around me

And leave the woman in the mirror

To go about my day

Collecting my shreds of dignity

Around me like a cloak

- Until tomorrow