The Dress

i have the courage
to wear your hand-me-down rags with pride
head turned up, heart locked away.
i strut without faltering,
to show you i'm stable and confident.

"cute dress, where'd you get it?"
they all ask.

your name never passed my lips.
you lost the privilege
to be referred to by the name
that sent tremors under my skin,
that pulled my lips into a smile,
that made my insides melt to bloody mush.

you're an X.
X for toxic.
X for danger.
X for caution.

i push my hands into the pockets of your dress,
gather the fabric in my fists,
feel your memories fall from between the stitches,
smile, spin, dance,
and pretend you're not watching me.
♠ ♠ ♠
im beautiful, confident, and free of the anchor weight in my chest.