We bear our sins
past, present,
imagined

A recording
of accusation
from a chorus
ill-wishing
remembrances
of human frailties

A woman’s measure
dwindles
under the burdens
of imperfection

Smiles are not kind
but a glossy cover
for judgment

And love
that inner circle
is not
the protector

But the fierce accuser
The scientist

Until our lives
are reduced
reframed
retaken

a bastardized
version

of who we are