A simple stray from control,

Corn dogs’ beckon, an eternal sin.

But then you come to remind me of truth,

just to make sure I know where I’ve been.

“Fattening,” you say with a glance,

triggering a kaleidoscope of emotions.

A dagger to my heart, spiraling downward.

Memories I keep at bay, lost in the oceans.

Anxiety and distress overwhelm me.

I purge out the anger and rage.

All the while, hiding these feelings from you,

So, I spill them out on this page.

I force a smile, a mask to wear.

Concealing the raging storm within.

With anger I throw them in the trash and ask

when will your own healing begin?

Your words, a mirror to our past,

with a shared struggle, and you know that.

Yet can’t get past the need for a perfect appearance.

But I am healing, trying not to see myself as fat.

I wish I could talk to you about the way I feel,

but you will take it harshly, becoming full of pain.

I am not your enemy; I am your daughter.

Your words are binding me like a chain.

Kelly