diet_coke

My life is like a diet coke.

It looks like the real thing.

Smells like the real thing.

It is not until you taste it that the difference becomes clear. Artificial sweetness with an
aftertaste of chemicals.

Citalopram is my additive.                                                                         (30mg daily)

                                        It stops me from screaming.

Except I don't scream.                                                                                  or cry.

I stripe my arms

                           with frustration

                                                    labelled

                                                                 'superficial'.

The blade, brand new and shining, calls with a seductive voice

                                                                   that I must ignore.

                                                                   Today.

The hot weather traps me.

Sleeveless tops and short skirts make it impossible to hide from the prying eyes of children.

Too warm to cover up and still avoid their questions.

                                                                             I do not scream

                                                                                      Or cry.

                                                                                       I wait.

                                                                        For the weather to break.

Diet Coke