CONFRONTATION

 

hey

it’s me

    how are you?

I’ve just been thinking

    no, i-

I’ve been worried

    no, its just-

 

    are you okay?

 

what gives me the authority, right?

    Who am I to-

    I just mean-

 

    is it okay-

after my collar bones carved steep valleys across my shoulders

after my cheeks hollowed and my hair fell like petals

after my skin stretched tightly upon my ribs

and the black underneath my eyes darkened

    -to wonder?

 

    is it okay-

after tubes crashed through my skin and pushed into my veins

after noises broke my solitude and forced my eyes open

after men in white pretended to share my tears

and promised me an uphill climb

    -to ask?

 

    is it okay-

after the toilet became my closest confidant

after the mirror became my greatest enemy

after the fear of being noticed pushed me farther

and farther and farther

    -to hope that you listen?

 

    is it okay-

when I see you lurk by the bathroom

when I notice you trip because your legs aren’t strong enough

when I know that the mirror is your greatest enemy

and the toilet is your closest confidant

    -to offer you my help?

 

so

what gives me the authority, right?

 

hey

it’s me

    I know you aren’t well

I’ve just been thinking

    that you could use a friend

I’ve been worried

    that you are becoming an image of me

 

are you okay?

​

by Sarah Flynn​