We wear dolls to cover our skin.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
I step outside in the eveningβ
A quiet movement,
Sliding the dayβs doll
Off my bones.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
They feel raw.
Words unsaid.
I must choose which doll
To wear today.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
One for the classroom
Smiling, uncreased;
Sparkling for bright students.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
Another for family;
Patient, listening
Words said on cue.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
Another for friends;
Practiced, polished.
Laughter honed, well-timed.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
But in one doll
Not displayed
Creases ironed
Skin that recalls
Every hurt experienced.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
I do not wear it.
Too bare.
Too raw.
Better left alone,
Well-pressed
Than risk a crowd
With a fearsome gaze.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
But the shell uncovers.
It unfolds.
The costume of skin
A disguise that works
Unnoticed.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
Should you see me next,
Donβt look me in the eye.
My bare skin works best
Unseen.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
But if the light shines right
You might catch the folds.
Carefully pressed.
Beneath them,
A whisper sounds.
πποΈπποΈππποΈπποΈπ
Do you have Russian dolls? Which do you wear the most?
About the Creator
Michelle Liew Tsui-Lin
Hi, i am an English Language teacher cum freelance writer with a taste for pets, prose and poetry. When I'm not writing my heart out, I'm playing with my three dogs, Zorra, Cloudy and Snowball.
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Comments (10)
This was so poignant and relatable. You nailed this challenge!
perfect grasp of intention for challenge!
The first line grabbed me immediately. I've never read a line like that before. Words said on cue. I don't know why this line stopped me in my tracks. But it did. Maybe it represents a secret truth. A not so great one. This is written almost like a script. I love that. Skin that recalls every hurt experienced. Wow. I resonate very well with the words said on cue. This was so self aware that it feels comforting. That another person could write the many faces we wear. Outstanding work Michelle π€β€οΈ
Loved the whole idea and of this one, and the images it conjures
I like that you went a step beyond just the mask. Great entry, Michelle!
Oooof, this one hit like a mirror shattering quietly! lowkey spooky that Iβll now be side-eyeing my own βdollsβ next time I walk into a room.
I love how you've captured the masks we wear in different spaces, and that hidden raw self beneath.
This is so relatable, when you talk about the different faces we wear for different people. Nicely written
As a Russian, I have several sets of nesting dolls. I like to think of them not as different masks but as layers of the same complex identity. The most vulnerable and raw identity layer of the smallest doll is only available to the people who know me the best, but it is my purpose in life to be as authentic and sincere as possible so that people can see my deeper layers.
My dolls are nesting too comfortably most days.