Content warning:
1.
at twelve you are Cassandra
sitting on the rooftop with your mouth full of snakes
you know already your body will rot
like a peony, over-plump
and full of starving ants
you know your flesh will mangle itself
as it has begun already
2.
it helps to think of yourself as an animal
a dog, a horse, something to thump
the flank of and inhale their earthy scent
and whisper sweet meaningless things
into their ears
a body that runs and eats and sleeps
and smells of sweat and mud
and is stroked long and loving each night
after a job well done
3.
it helps to think of yourself as a painting
impressionists, renaissance, flesh adored
in wild color and gorgeous light
the bodies of round-hipped maidens desired
by no less than bulls and gods
4.
it’s all about the lighting
we all know this
purchase lipstick in a hundred shades
chin out, mouth open
flaunt your teeth like candy
flick your tongue like a snake
hold the shutter down
and do not let go
5.
we are learning how to disappear completely
into the void of ourselves
6.
your body is like an empty frame
waiting for marriage
your soul is a portrait in blood
and invisible ink
you polish yourself like a pearl each morning
this art is subjective
you tell yourself that