i was raised
to see
the monster
so ingrained,
nothing else exists

wire hangers
teach lessons
the body absorbs
the mind
never relinquishes

but in her gaze
there is something
more reflected
in those pools
of endless brown.

i wish to be
the he
that shimmers
in her open stare
of affection

to shed
this self perceived
horror
to be the reason
she smiles

all my scars
have faded
leaving a blank slate
left to dream
entangled in hope