of the Body by Isabel Su (16, New Jersey)*

i mold my thumb into the bruises on my knees; a royal-purple ache, 
          euphoric. 
i exist to be sentenced,
          a mannequin pruned,
observe: my eyes could be gouged-grotesque, my skull dizzy & broken 
          and the blood would garnish my Corpse--

we learn our imperfections, too soon
          my finger traces harsh the stripes of my hips; taut &
taught. please, slough the flesh off my bones
          where it weighs me down;
i want to soar, knees-knocking &
          hair-whipped. 
finger, meet throat: salmon-pink & fleshy fulfillment. 
          ​if only the Body could be emptied forever--

---

i bare my teeth for myself, flash-white in
          erratic reflection, 
i relish the curve of my 
          ​belly when i breathe. concave soul no longer,
my limbs rest easy & unclasped. tell me this Body could be
          the last--