the metamorph / haunting memory
a poem
I can admit I didn’t leave the womb grieving Memories fit the old skinsuit right It would hang in the weightless way it should A frozen dollhouse existence—no bite Nowadays it can’t seem to contain me A costume sloughing off the bones each day Within—perpetual metamorphosis—torrential Rules it will not understand nor obey In old pictures I grin gleeful smiles—pink In new pictures I melt in murk technicolor I can’t say if I’ve lost or I’ve gained Only that I am myself and the child another She dogs my steps around each corner A mocking pigtailed phantom saying— How do you find being a woman? How do you like all this compulsory self-flaying? I shudder under her caterpillar gaze And try not to drown in the simpler days
This is another poem I wrote for Coral Evermore’s October theme, Haunting Memory (I highly recommend any writers to check out her monthly themes—they’re keeping my poetry alive at the moment)! I’m a little uncertain about this poem, but I felt like sharing it regardless—I know I’ll never be 100% satisfied with any of my art, so that hardly seems a good reason to withhold it.
If you’re interested in any more of my poetry, you can check out my take on the previous month’s theme below!
I love how you have explored the pain of self growth in this poem!! Thank you so much for joining in on the monthly theme!! <333