in the moment after a shower
a mirror is my canvas.
my gaze is mine.
with hands clasped
above my head
i am an arrow
stretching upwards
and backwards
head cocked
enjoying that i change and shift
enjoying how that bit sticks out there
how i tap it and it makes that sound.
i like watching my stomach
become wider and flat
as i lean
lean
pushing forwards
stretching backwards
arms reaching beyond
the pokey sprigs of hair at their stem.
my breasts even out
and
in the mirror
i can see them from below
(is this what it looks like for him?)
i watch how i can make them
perfect
round and smooth
my mind flicks to tracing fingers
but i choose to bring it back
to me
choose not to focus on what he sees.
my spine jolts
as i roll my shoulders back.
arms by sides.
exhale.
stare and frown.
body.
i close the door behind me
and quickly pull on my clothes.
Art by TASHA PICK.