SWEET REFLECTION

Poetry
Written By Farah Lawal Harris

Much peace. Today’s poetry prompt is:

Start by reading Robert Fillman’s poem, “There should always be two.” Now, write your own poem in which all the verses contain the same number of lines (whether couplets, triplets, quatrains, etc.) and in which you give the reader instructions of some kind.

Here is my poem:

SWEET REFLECTION

By Farah Lawal Harris, 2026

First, strip yourself naked

as the day you were born,

minus the slime and screaming.

Erase the concept of “perfect.”

Let the chalk dust cover you

like tree pollen to a windshield.

Try not to sneeze.

Locate the nearest mirror

and approach with caution, for

head-on collisions between

what is and what ought to be

occur frequently here.

Muster up the excitement

you get for dessert:

the chalk dust is powdered

sugar over chocolate cake,

and, my dear, you are the cake.

Give your eyes a taste.

Indulge in the sweetness of existence.

Devour each scar, savor each bulge

until your eyes and belly are full.

Scrape the plate, locate your clothes

and dress into divinity. You are now holy

perfection—God’s sweet reflection.

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
Next

CLEANSING