we are suppressing ourselves
the women in my family have engraved
a distinct self hatred
into the lining of their skin
carved food rules into their bellies
depositing magic pills and coffee grounds
diet culture is tightly coiled
around our vocal cords
the women in my family are
sick looking into the mirror
with eyes that deceive and alter
for months I have witnessed
my sister shrinking examining
her stomach with measuring tape hands
Her sharp collar bones
her bony back looking to me
with hollow eyes asking
for recognition and yet
never satisfied
I have learned this hate
through my mother’s worry
a seed planted in childhood
and watered daily I don’t want to
watch this weed bloom anymore
I just want to be free