Perfectionist

every Pretty Little

Decent American White girl

with straight teeth

and light eyes

she could do anything

if she followed the rules

that's what you told her

like a Wholesome Healthy Attractive

Heterosexual White American parent

you hid the truth

from her

it's for her

own good

the television whispers

long strange words

hold her at night

sit in her ear

Bulimia

Anorexia Nervosa

Binge Eating Disorder

girls like her

understand their meanings

but it's not enough

the words aren't

big enough

loud enough

can you hear

that?

a million voices

scream

in each syllable

"beauty is

on the inside"

speak for yourself

she doesn't recognize her body

in the mirror

she was taught to look for

flaws and imperfections

not individuality

girls like us

we learn fast

to be anything

you want us to be