a heathen’s rite

in the mirror’s gleam, i face my truth,

a celebration dark, a reckless youth,

unapologetic, i strut through shadows,

in the vessel where my spirit echoes.

it bears the scars; it knows my fears,

witness to my nightmares, my tears,

in chaos, i carve my way to grow,

for me, not for others, this i know.

contentment flickers in the heart’s embrace,

connection’s dance, a fragile grace,

a kaleidoscope of moments, fierce and wild,

in self-love’s arms, i’m forever riled.

this vanity, a sacred rite,

in the grey of day, in the black of night,

for i am the keeper of my soul’s decree,

embracing all that’s raw in me.