The old photos reveal nothing
show no hint of the abuses
that darken your future
Gape-tooth smiles, youthful
mugging for the camera
don’t predict
anorexia
drugs
despair
The childish arms that hugged
friend and family
Now
hang skeletal
by your sides
While your sunken eyes
and forced and frozen smiles
lie
lie
lie
for the camera
Pretending your world glows
Making believe he’ll finally
notice you
love you
fit you into his small and selfish life
Copyright 2011 Elizabeth Abrams Chapman
