Content warning
This story may contain sensitive material or discuss topics that some readers may find distressing. Reader discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed in this story are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Vocal.
I thousand lies live inside my head,
Telling me what I do dread.
I try to make friends with the mirror,
But she showers me with inner fears.
With such big breasts
I cannot rest.
For my legs are tone at best,
A triangle body, remains my test.
And the single grain of stress
Means I am a balloon within my dress.
A body I know and feel lost in
For I am not good at being me.
And like my rhyme
I have broken what is considered the rules.
A dancer who isn’t thin and willowy.
A writer that doesn’t spell right or edit well.
A graduate Not working in her field.
I could list so many things,
But it’s the body that kills me the most.
No matter the exercise
The restriction
I am gifted with the parts I have.
And breasts do not shrink
Not without going under the knife.
A procedure not needed
But this world of perfection is getting to me
And I do not know how I am to be.
About the Creator
Lane Burns
I’ve always wanted to be a writer. I’m still just finding my voice and coming to believe that I can do this again. I like writing poetry and darker fiction. As well as some fan fictions!
Enjoyed the story? Support the Creator.
Subscribe for free to receive all their stories in your feed. You could also pledge your support or give them a one-off tip, letting them know you appreciate their work.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Keep reading
More stories from Lane Burns and writers in Poets and other communities.
Perfect Cracks
We live in a world that strives for Perfection. For an ideal form of beauty and flow. Even when we try to make things so accessible, there is a hidden truth to it all. We still judge constantly when someone doesn’t fit the bill. The employee that got all her work done in the morning, is suddenly lazy this afternoon because she’s just sitting there waiting for more work to come in. She may not be the manager but she really should strive for more if she wants to move up in the world. But the instant she burns herself out or freaks out over a little mistake. Everyone will tell her she is not a machine, she isn’t meant to be perfect all the time, and that she needs to be kinder to herself. After all the company takes pride in their mental health incentive, and we can’t have burn out can we? But the double edge sword of expectations always cuts deep.
By Lane Burns5 months ago in Poets
3:00 AM Challenge Winners
B. A. Durham’s False Memories blends dream and reality in a seamless mix. As his father, afflicted by Alzheimer’s, fades away, the narrator is haunted by a dream that may be a memory, returning to him insistently. The piece is full of wonderful detail (the father touching his lip where once there was a mustache, “but now he is clean-shaven—he has been for years” — and moving in revealing the complexities of a family’s life. A worthy winner which shows the power of dreams to influence us.
By Vocal Curation Teama day ago in Resources
Comments (1)
I think you’re perfect just the way you are! Very well written