My pale frame rests under a dark V-neck
Skinny some say
Yes, I suppose…
Guys loll in easy confidence
Gifted with lines and shadows defining them
Chiseled features, six-pack abs, sensitive yet strong
“No, no, I think I’ll keep my shirt on.”
“I’m cold,” a lie
I shiver for effect
They effortlessly roll their golden shoulders, “Whatever”
Perfection doesn’t care
I’ll wait an hour
Dusk will help hide my skin and bones
“It’s fixable,” I say
“I’ll work out,” a false promise
Ten push-ups after nine p.m.
Behind locked doors in a narrow space
Chiseled features
The ground comes up to meet me, number ten
Trembling arms pull me under sheets
My V-neck will never stretch to accommodate my bulk
Girls won’t giggle at my strength
When the shirt comes off, what am I?
Skinny some say
Human I say
Joseph Christensen will be a senior this fall at Bellevue High School in Washington. His hobbies include: pondering the perplexities of life over bowls of chocolate ice cream and pretending to be professional.