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A Poem Illustrating My Experience with G.A.D.
Hi, I'm Melissa. I was inspired by the poetry of Rupi Kaur to write this poem. It's dedicated with love and support to the anxious.
Read more of my work here.
Hi, I'm Melissa. I'm 22, a native of Chicago, a writer and a strong advocate for mental health, specifically G.A.D. and depression. This poem was inspired by the prose and style of poetry by Rupi Kaur and is dedicated with love, support, and solidarity with those who have or are learning to live with anxiety...just like me. Much thanks and love.
Read more of my work here.
Maskara
it paints my lashes
black
to showcase them into the light
it lengthens their blonde edges
so my eyes can seem
open
awake
and here again
so that you’re distracted
by these long whimsical lashes
and unable to see behind them that
my right eye is
twitching
faster than the beat of my own heart
the twitch unapologetically takes host to my left eye
but this is one war when
changing sides
doesn’t make a difference
it paints my flushed cheeks
black
streaks them
with too many Mississippi rivers to count
drops of black leading the mouth of each river
over the hills of my cheek bones
down into the valley of my lips
to reveal the strength my mind has
over my body
over me
I can’t see out of my right eye
blurry
twitching again
faster than before
my favorite beauty product
it makes me feel beautiful
it’s all I need
and yet
I question every morning
is it even worth putting on
because I don’t know
if it will last until noon
they say
makeup can highlight
your best features
they don’t say
makeup can shine a spotlight
on the features
of your face
and hide
what’s stirring inside
behind it
- G.A.D.