BARBIE CHEST

Poetry
Written By Farah Lawal Harris

Much peace. Today’s poetry prompt is to write a villanelle poem. According to poetryfoundation.org, a villanelle is:

A French verse form consisting of five three-line stanzas and a final quatrain, with the first and third lines of the first stanza repeating alternately in the following stanzas. These two refrain lines form the final couplet in the quatrain.

Here is my poem:

BARBIE CHEST

By Farah Lawal Harris, 2026

Where areolae once existed is skin—

scars healed over, smooth like plastic.

I can no longer feel my heartbeat,

where areolae once existed. Is skin,

plain cookies without chocolate chips?

Does my body taste as sweet?

I can no longer feel my heart. Beat

and winded from the iron bra,

weight from remission rests on my ribcage,

where areolae once existed. Is skin

a form of womanhood beyond

function, pleasure and nourishment?

My plastic surgeon was excellent.

No one suspects I possess a Barbie chest.

Where areolae once existed is skin.

Why can I no longer feel my heartbeat?

Farah Lawal Harris

Farah Lawal Harris is an artist and breast cancer survivor who inspires people to overcome obstacles and be well. Through vulnerable storytelling, writing, and theatre, Farah makes people feel less alone and more able to tap into their personal power to be their best, creative selves.

https://www.farahlawalharris.com
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DEPRESSION’S SEDUCTION