Your judgment

A Poem by Mehar Anaokar

Last year, you called me fat
I tried not to let it get to me
But it did, it really did
I began to run, from you, from the world, from myself
Because what I saw in the mirror wasn't me, but it was who you saw first
I did it
My waist dainty, legs slender and long,
You can't say I'm fat anymore.

Last month, you made fun of my acne
I tried to not let it get to me
But it did, it really did
I bought creams and scrubs and soaps
Because you saw my face and didn't care about my thoughts
I did it, I washed thrice a day
My skin glowing, not a single spot,
You can't make fun of me anymore.

Yesterday, you said I craved attention
You said that's why I constantly lie
I tried not to let it get to me
But it did, it really did
And then after hours of looking in the mirror
It didn't affect me anymore
I didn't run, not from you or anyone
I stood up for myself and fought back
Because what I saw in my reflection made me smile
Because it was me, and completely me.
I did it
I got over it
My smile is wider, I am free,
And yet, you still judge me.
You must think I'm a celebrity.