“You’ve bullshitted bullshitters for too long it is enough now!” She looked at me, Tears in her eyes, Snot flowing to her mouth unnoticed. Her face softened as she continued, “For years now you have been bleeding, Slicing roads that lead to nowhere On your perfect brown skin With a knife from your imaginary friend. Grandmother must be calling from the grave. Ignore her dear. Ignore death itself. You ink the pages with confessional poetry, At least you don’t waste this precious paint. You stand before crowds, Digging in yourself, Giving them these jewels, your misfortunes as tales, a past so dark you hope they think you’ve made it up.” She paused. Her face hardened and softened and repeated the cycle until I could no longer tell the difference. “Get real, nobody is that creative! It’s been centuries now, Of pent up rage soaking every page My love, you have been way too strong it’s unbelievable. I’ll give you an Oscar after I’ve told you this; Yes, you broke down before them. You used strangers for therapy, What did you expect? You could not handle it anymore! You’ve hidden your pain in scattered anthologies, Your memories have faded, But the emotions still linger. All that’s left are unchartered waters; Noah can only dream of saving you from them. Forgive yourself my darling. Let the flood gates pour and never mind who is watching. Tighten your head wrap, Let none of its tails get in the way. Centuries of hurt caught up to you, Let your pearls do as they should. Bottles were never taught when to break, Humans when to die. So be here. Where you are. And forgive yourself child. IT. IS. WELL.” What is it with women in mirrors thinking they know it all? She doesn’t know what she is talking about. None of them do. -Dark Lilly