Poem 2

by Natalie Piergrossi

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I peel off my skin
Like it’s Elmer’s glue
From the box 
in the middle
Of my second grade desk.
What happened 
to words
As the most painful thing?
And not 
The unspoken understanding
Of existing unwanted.
If elementary art
Was good enough then
What makes 
A messy mirror 
So hideous now?
If blood is 
And always has been 
A sin
Why should I ask 
For a bandaid now

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Natalie Piergrossi (she/her) is a teenage creative from California. She is a visual and performing artist, often found playing original songs for her community, performing in a musical, or sharing watercolor pieces with her family and friends. As a proud member of the queer community and an individual who struggles with OCD, she aims to bring awareness to the lesser recognized parts of those experiences through her art.