After a Writing Workshop About the Body

This is not my body.
Not the one that used to tell everything
to anyone—
I mean everything,
like I thought it might get me somewhere
closer to known.

I sat in a circle today,
some kind of writing thing—
you know the type.
Lots of deep breathing
and soft lighting.
Someone cried reading what they wrote
in the first eight minutes
and I—
well, I flinched.
Not because it wasn’t honest,
but because it was.

Too honest, maybe.
Or just familiar.

I used to be like that—
all exposure and no shape.
Just bleeding out
in lowercase.

And I caught myself thinking,
don’t do it—
as if I could save her
from what happens
when the adrenaline wears off
and all you’re left with
is the echo of your revelation.

But maybe she won’t feel that.
Maybe she’ll never know
what I mean.
And maybe I’m not better now—
just quieter.

Anyway.
This is not my body.
Not anymore.
But I still feel it sometimes,
rattling the old pipes.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

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Ashley Avatar
July 19, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Dear Jaymee, your introspection is captivating and painful, like a scab being picked at.. there's a hint of healing but the wound still oozes with past trauma that a band-aid can't contain though it may try to hide it. I adore your use of imagery and metaphor. Especially striking was "bleeding out/in lowercase." -wow, exceptional! But every stanza reveals something emotionally/viscerally striking, such is the talent of your mighty golden pen. Love that last line! Warmest wishes, my poet friend.. ~Susan
Hind Avatar
July 13, 2025 at 1:18 PM
I enjoyed reading this, Jaymee. We come so close but are afraid to connect skins, it seems. You're very gifted.
Kurian Avatar
July 13, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Dear Jaymee, your poem sings in hushed tones, but trembles with truth. That line, “just bleeding out in lowercase” It’s emotionally surgical. Loved it :)
Greenhough Avatar
July 12, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Revelation can hit hard. Best to learn life's lessons but hang onto your inner peace. I love your poem.
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