I ran the water over my hands
Then over the brushes and sponges
Chips of paint floated into the drain
Like rememberances passing into subconscious
I looked up in the mirror
I stepped outside of me
And took a better look
Disheveled, wild hair
Dark circles under her eyes
Half-closed from crying
But half-open 'cause time had passed
A controlled haunted look in them
John's ugly blue T-shirt
That's way too big
Fit only for playing football in the rain
Straight shoulders with a slight slouch
Dry, chapping lips
Pale, tired, careless
And for the first time in my life
I see myself as beautiful
-Angela Becerra