AGE APPROPRIATE
Once I was 13
Watermelon seeds stuck within
The gaps of my teeth
Untouched by a dentists glove
Poking and prodding
To find the next insecurity
And once I was 14
Unable to see the whiteboard
Eyes squinting for purchase
On the next letter
Until I got glasses
Everything clear and harsh and ‘better’
Then I was 15
Skin which was unblemished
Breaking out with spots and rashes
So I slathered cream, oils and makeup
Face numb, lips tighter
Pores bigger but compliments brighter
Finally my 16th struck
And there was nothing left to fix
Except the void which had grown
Deep into my stomach
For the person in the mirror was the prettiest
But the one I hated most when I was alone
