when i say that im not pretty
i really mean it
i've never actually look in the mirror
and think i look pretty

my lips look too big
my eyes too small
my jaw too soft
my nose just not right

i don't mean to be that girl
i don't mean to fish for compliments
i just want someone to tell me im pretty
so i know what i think is just me

How can it be "all in my head" when I think everyone is mad at me
But real when I'm questioning if my trauma actually happened

One day I hope to be healed enough to truly believe that people are capable of loving me

i toss and turn,
unable to sleep
away from you --
you,
my safe place.

my home.

Step 1: Smile.
Step 2: Forget why.
Step 3: Keep your voice steady
when your soul is not.
Step 4: Pretend it’s fine.
(Everyone else is.)

Step 5: Fold your feelings
into paper birds.
Set them loose.
Watch them burn mid-air.
Clap softly.
Repeat.

There is no final step.
You just keep going
until you don’t know
what breaking feels like anymore.

Deep the rose unfolds
In the silence shadows speak
Love can come with thorns