(sugar scrub)

(sugar scrub)

I exfoliated again today
sloughed off a layer of dead
s k i n

and I am learning that the release
exposes new, raw flesh beneath
flesh not yet used to this harsh world
flesh having to learn on the fly
how to protect me
before it, too, eventually
dies
not out of failure, no
out of necessity, hope
for regeneration

shedding is hard
yet the regrowth feels harder

so I exfoliate for softness
to glow
to show everyone what is and isn’t mine to carry

to remind myself
that, with this sugar regimen,
and living within my skin,
is the power to heal

@paige.thepoet