Self Love

by Rose Saphira

Anytime I look at myself,

Image credit: Cathal Mac an Bheatha on Unsplash

and hate what I see,

I must remember

the sweet truth

hidden by the meanest part of me:

My face is not mine,

the world’s love

has burnt it on my skin.

Thousands of me have been loved before,

so I will

so all the me’s who come next

will feel that warm blossom in their chest.

***

Rose Saphira

Rose Saphira is an Italian writer and poet, currently studying at university with the goal of teaching Italian literature abroad. She has been passionate about writing and reading for many years, and ever since she started composing short stories at the age of eight, she has never stopped. This marks her first publication, and she hopes to share more of her work, both poetry and prose, in the near future. She draws inspiration from current events and her personal experiences with mental health, hoping that her words will remind readers they aren't alone and encourage them to reflect on the world we live in.