ariana sexton-hughes

poetry

i write to heal

poetry

(what if) the pain went away?

and, what if…
what if,
the pain went way?
for more than a moment?
for more than a day?
really.
what if,
the pain went away?
completely,
in total,
…purged from my being?

poetry

selfish (?)

i live in pain

alone

afraid

i live in shame

two ballerinas doing ballet moves beside ballet bar

poetry

what i let them steal (from me)

a poem about discovery and recovery from anorexia and ballet and me

poetry

the ghost ship

“Breathe,” she said.

“breathe?”

i try.

poetry

writing through pain

………………….for all those who have EVER been there with me….

poetry

being the me that is (me)

there are times
when i don’t want to be
the me that is me
no
i don’t

poetry

model (pretty)

TRIGGER WARNING
true

i hide
i live inside
my hall of mirrors

my inner
my hall of shame

poetry

why do i cry?

why do i cry
when you say
something nice?
why?

why
do
i
cry
…when you
touch
softly
my face?

poetry

thousands of miles (away)

A poem for Irina Selena Irana, who passed away, far, far before her time.

poetry

i don’t remember

this poem is NOT about “what happened.”

it’s about my struggle with “remembering.” it took years and years to remember as much as i know now. but, in “remembering,” and focusing on healing, i am slowing letting go.