Every day I erase pieces of myself
so I can go out into the world.

I swallow sad stories like horse pills
prescribed by a doctor who didn’t read my chart.

I laugh away all mentions of my physical pain,
knowing others will find comfort in my smile.

I layer clothing on top of emotional scars
so no one is afraid to see my body.

I temper my Blackness like chocolate,
readying myself to be perfectly palatable.

Every day I remind myself that erasure is impermanent.
My pencil can be sharpened to puncture hearts.

Written by Erika DeShay – Denver, Colorado, United States

Feature Photo by Oladimeji Odunsi 

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