Carmen

She doesn’t remember

what it’s like

To be able to look into another’s eyes unashamed

Fixed in character, proud.

She wants to be like the motivational posters pre-menstrual teens post on facebook

Announcing  her mistakes but confident she’ll move forward,

But the truth is

She’s been trapped in this stale tomb for the past eight years.

She  wishes she could peel off her skin and scrub the stench of cheap cigarettes and the hot breath of lusting strangers off her bones.

But the only thing that rises to the top is blood. 

you only live once the frat boys cheer in her ear,

ignorant that what she does isn't living.