Wash Us Away
I never thought you were in love with me, but that’s why
you touched me.
My mother says that
I was so attractive as a child, people asked to take my photograph,
but what do the poses
of a child become?
Not being a model didn’t protect me.
Not being a child did.
I was protected and I am
loved. I was protected
and I am loved.
Now that I am unable to eat, my cheekbones show. I lie down,
thinking of you,
a flood rising across my body.
I scroll through photos, seeing you,
older now.
With a woman.