[poem] Self Love Ritual

I push the clear gel out of the bottle and hold it up to the light as it sits in my hand spreading out, almost but not quite losing its shape. Gently, I use my thumb to divide it in two. I slide half to my other palm, leaving a glistening trail behind. I put my hand to my shoulder and feel the pressure of my palm through the gel as I move my hand down my arm. Reassuring. A gift from myself to myself.

This is my daily ritual, my promise to myself. I have seen my pain, dissociation. I have recognised it. I will make my future better.

I close my eyes at the coolness on my skin as everything unnecessary evaporates.

#poetry #lgbtq+