poem by Eliza Bacon

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.