invisible skin
I first started writing these poems in 2022, after coming out as a lesbian, moving in with my parents, and beginning the process of divorce.
In coming to terms with my sexuality, I began to see the ways that societal pressures had taken their toll on me.
These poems are a natural bubbling over of that experience, as well as my attempt to make sense of how the denial of authentic expression has manifested in problematic behaviours over the years, such as addiction, people-pleasing, hypervigilance, and shame.
These coping strategies added layers upon layers of invisible skin, layers that I am choosing to shed in the form of these poems.
I hope that this personal collection can serve as a beacon of hope to anyone who has distorted themselves to make others comfortable.
As our bodies continue to be politicised, our abusers go unpunished, and our freedom of speech is torn away from us, there has never been a more important time to find ways to peel back the layers and unveil our true shape.
May these poems unburden you and give you permission to be the real you.