Emily Mitchell
illusion
/ɪˈluːʒ(ə)n/
noun
an instance of a wrong or misinterpreted perception of a sensory experience.
a deceptive appearance or impression.
a false idea or belief.
Opposite:
reality
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There is a concept in society
that our worth is measurable
That the marks on my skin
tally marks of my value
One birthmark.
Two fat rolls.
When I sit; one when I stand.
Three scars.
Four dimples in my bumcheeks.
Don’t lie, five.
Counting every mole.
Twenty-six and I gave up.
Stretch marks, stretching my pen ink more like.
I’ve lost count.
One chin. Two when I laugh.
Two rolls. Of me.
Three scars. I’m still here.
Five dimples? Two amazing bum cheeks.
Counting every mole.
A constellation of imperfections.
Like a dot to dot colouring book
Trace me and find I am filled with possibilities.
Let my stretch marks guide your tour around
Little arrows pointing to all my beauty.
Society teaches you an illusion
A false idea or belief
That a ‘deceptive’ appearance or impression will find you some relief
Don’t mould the shape of you
To fit their shape of you
There is an illusion in society
That our worth is measurable
That the marks on my skin
Tally marks against my value
But the antonym?
Reality.
Words: Emily Mitchell, Fashion, Communication and Promotion, @emilyhebemitchelljjjjjj
Photography: Hannah Game, Storehouse Content Team, @hjgamephotography