UNTITLED #234

i am distinctly aware of all the ways

i've learned to swallow glass

i don't cry where they can see me

i keep my head held high so my second face

doesn't crack beneath the weight

i am forgiving to all but me

i am made to crush and bruise and bite my way to perfection

Or Else

anything less and i lose

i disrespect myself as a habit

addicted to self-scrutiny

a tight rope walker on a single rotting thread