I Was She

Art Show

I am not a masterpiece,

nor am I an art piece,

so can you kindly look away

and not stare at me so intently as if

you're trying to study me

for a class that you're taking.

I do not belong in a museum or in a gallery

so please stop putting me out

for all to gawk at and stare

because I am not a piece of work,

I am a human being with feelings

and I feel terrified.

I do not have scars so you can see

and ask what happened.

I hide them beneath my clothing

so stop trying to uncover me

so that you may see every last flaw of me.

My scabs are for me to pick,

not for you to peel back

and investigate what story is

hiding underneath.

I am not a masterpiece,

nor am I an art piece,

so would you please stop

treating me like an object

and treat me like a human with feelings.