This poem was inspired by the days and weeks and months that I’ve felt my skin was a blanket, helping contain the warmth that my insecurities needed to thrive. I wrote this for anyone that, literally, doesn’t feel comfortable in their own skin. You are a being of absolute splendor. Never forget it.
All Art Credited To: Felipa Cheng & Sam Williams
I am still, with great effort, learning to love
the planetary bulges along my temple
and the asteroid belt of blackheads
that trace the arch of my nose.
I am still, with great effort, learning to love
the cosmic comedones that cluster below my bottom lip,
begging for the collimation of your telescope.
Dismally, the naked eye will do just fine.
I am still, with great effort, learning to love
everything I’ve been prompted to hate.
Hellish. Loathsome. Ugly.
Ugly. Ugly. Ugly.
These words form an orbit around my head,
occasionally breaking pattern
to swirl into my ear only to hit like
bolides against my brain.
I am still, with great effort, learning to love
the acne constellations like portable skin stars
I take with me
wherever I go.
To join me, to aid me, to enhance my celestial allure.
I am still, with great effort, learning to love
my craters, my coronas, my nebulae of imperfection. Myself.
One day I will believe the truth that
the universe really is
the best it can be
because I
am in it.
Meet Felipa
I am pleased to introduce you to my dear friend and art-making partner Felipa Cheng (better known to me as Ellie). In just a few short months we have formed a unique bond that doesn’t waiver at the fact that there are 8,000 miles between us (she lives in Metro Manila, Philippines). We’ve laughed, cried, gossiped about boys (and girls), and sent countless dog pictures. I’m proud to have had her by my side throughout this project. You can see more of her on her Twitter or Instagram.
