she lives through human flesh
feasts soul crumbs in the corners of your home
she lurks behind statues & stones
her noiseless cries fill the air & the world groans.
in window reflections for a second she exists
do you ever truly live if you are left unseen?
hugs & kisses to the obnoxious ones
show your gums succumb
even if not hands-on, i’ve lived she says
tasted death’s distress
shown nipples & heard giggles
pistols taken out
she escapes to find herself & yet find none
look at the sun & fish another soul
for it is a treasure the living
till someone cracks your skull
& you become dull
wake up & swallow shears
immortal that bleeds
escape & hide between sheets
get sucked by pits of broken dishes
lose hearing & choke with thick vines
drown under him
upside down
& die
***
Written by Daniela P Camejo Sanchez
Illustrated by Afternoon Delight
Daniela is a Venezuelan writer and her work focuses on rebellion, womanhood, disease, and more. Her work is soon to be featured in The Ethel Zine, Olney Magazine, Pastel Serenity, New York Quarterly, and more. You may find her on Twitter as @danielapcamejo
shadow girl is a poem about toxic and abusive relationships, and more importantly, losing yourself because of them.
If you are affected or worried by a harmful relationship, or know someone who is, help is available now. Visit the Mental Health Foundation (UK) website for information.