Harlyn is tattooed with bitter bandages,
vivid scarred blood signatures of bullies
she’s had the ovaries to survive.
Not many welcome different because it doesn’t fit
the definition of candy-coated pseudo normal.
In this modern soap ring circus authentic is surreal.
Harlyn doesn’t care if she fits in nor does
she want to be an eyeliner zombie doing Tik Toks
so her face will trend while her spirit calcifies.
Everybody’s an object of something.
Usually, it’s attention…Why hide when
someone's always carrying arrows.
When she gives it much thought, she knows
she’s always under the gaslight.
Funny how the unread believe they own the bookstore.
Copy and paste aren’t shoes she’ll ever wear.
©Susie Clevenger 2024
