Makeup extracted, that was long overdue.
Bobby pins release the hair it once gripped.
The framed ponytail, now combed down to my shoulders.
Arms slip out the sleeves that kept them from lingered stares.
Legs breathe fresh air; liberated from tight jeans that avoided disgusted faces.
Bend over. Slowly abstract the socks off my soft heel then my pink colored toenails.

With nothing to conceal my figure,
I glance at my reflection in the mirror.
It was easy exposing my physical frame
without being subsequent to judgment
or reformed by a stranger’s opinion.

When I am out in fresh air, physically, a shape defines me.
A color, a number, a marking in pounds and inches characterizes me.
Mentally, I am measured by my intelligence to climb a tree when I am only a fish.
Emotionally, those who think I cannot control my emotions pity me. Unaware of
the tattered soul who's been through too much to react "normally." 

Yet when I am not posing for a picture,
just putting on another mask, I am
limitless to boundaries. I am no longer
identified by a category chosen for me.
Rather I choose to be represented by my
flaws.

Flaws that adore me, that keeps me sane.
I refuse to edit my scars with diseased paint.
I refuse to starve myself of sweet and salty flavors
to maintain a smaller size.
I refuse to dye my emotions in a coating that satisfies others.

I am who I am and love who I will be.
My faults may defects to an eye that
behold no beauty, but I am covered in
glitches that hold elegance like no other.
Defined by size strong- tears, fury, desire,
smiles all reveal the fragile, though big,
heart that lies in my chest. These factors
present my true self.

Without a filter, this caged bird becomes a bird set free.