“Why I Pierced My Eyebrow”

You want to know why?

I’ll tell you, I will.

It’s because in your eyes

I see that old drill

Resurface and meet

With how I am now

And then, young and sweet.

They emerge

And converge

In your sight

Every day, every night.

All the time, to my fright.

That’s why I did it;

To make you admit it.

I’m not who I was

When I was five.

I want you to let go

Of the “me” I was then

Or at least for you to show

That you know

That yes, I’ve grown up

I’m no longer a child

Now, see me close up

Not how I was when I smiled

From the very top bough

Of that pine tree

Covered in gold-colored sap

Shouting with babyish glee

Then going inside for a nap,

When I was so little

With a fresh, simple brow

I’m no longer so brittle

As you seem to allow.

That’s why I did it:

I want you to see

That even without it

I am still me.

I’m still the same girl

But I’m grown up now.

My reality has unfurled

And this I avow

Either let me go

Or admit

Or I go

And I’ll quit.