When you're fat,

no one seems to care

when you say,

"I haven't eaten today,"

and it's already nine at night.

-They're all thinking,

She could stand to skip a few meals anyway..

But when it's nine at night

and you're skinny,

"I haven't eaten today"

suddenly becomes an emergency.

They're searching for somewhere to eat.

Their phone screens glowing with

"Restaurants nearby" typed into google.

They're asking if you're okay. Looking at you

with gazes of pure concern.

They're reminding you to eat. "I know you get

distracted. But you need food!"

(as if your hunger only became real

once your body became small enough

Become small enough, and maybe they'll stop asking you to be strong.

Become small enough, and maybe someone

will wrap a blanket around your shoulders,

instead of

another expectation...

Become small enough, and maybe they'll see

that you're tired.

Maybe they'll speak

a little softer.

Maybe they'll worry when you say you're cold.

Maybe they'll finally protect the little girl you've been begging them to notice.

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