I wrote an SOS into my flesh.
I announced there was someone
in my head, in my home, in my heart;
she was bitter and unkind.
I pleaded with the muddy water
and with my tears.
I denounced my reflection
and then pulled the same woman
into my arms and told her
not to worry, not to cry.
Because in the process of losing myself,
I found myself where I had been
all along.
Here, in the same bones
which still manage
to weather every storm.
© Kristiana Reed 2019
