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