Formed Like Leather
Supple, Durable, Conditioned
The leather worker
prepares the hide
by stripping hair from skin.
Sharpened knives
scrape away flesh and fat
and render it clean and ready.
Lime and chemical waters
break down tough fibers
and soften tissue, removing imperfections.
Tempering
Fortifying
Strengthening
Supple
Durable
Conditioned
I was formed like leather.
Raw flesh shaped into an indestructible force—
a child of trauma
a SURVIVOR.
“She’s so strong.”
They applaud the things I’ve done.
“Look what she’s been through.”
They extol the healthy life I live.
“She’s done it.”
They cheer for the curses I’ve broken.
Survived.
“Despite the odds stacked against her.”
Brave.
“Despite her circumstance.”
Kind-hearted.
“Despite the adversity.”
Like leather. Formed from stripping. And soaking. And stretching. And pummeling.
Will you think me weak?
Will you judge me?
If all I ever wanted was protection?
If I yearned to be fragile?
If I craved to be ornate?
Will you change your opinion
when you learn
I wanted most of all
to be porcelain?
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Beautifully written.