'Asterisks', by Melissa Wabnitz Pumayugra
Sometimes I observe skin in the mirror
And wonder if the decorated dots
Will change or remain little asterisks forever?
A few of the shapes connect in patterns;
Others meshed in foggy memory
My torso, limbs, heart.
Why do people say living through trauma
Makes you strong?
Sometimes it just creates little marks
Invisible and starred.
Melissa has written for publications throughout the United States and abroad for the past 25 years. She lives in central Texas with her two children, partner, and a feral cat.
Art by lilartsy