porcelain

i lost my grip in the shower and slipped

banged my brow against the porcelain, 

and i woke up backwards

covered in filth 

i slathered mint paste 

across the blades of my razor

smiled big and brushed in circles

squeaky clean scratches

gums scrubbed to raw pink

swish and gargle red spit

i scrubbed my thighs smooth with 

toothbrush bristles

until hairless

skin stung in shower steam

reborn as an open wound

i crawl out of the tub

and shake off my lament

like a wet dog 

sopping, i towel off 

with toilet paper 

sticking to my skin

in damp, translucent petals

and for a second i am beautiful

the mirror melts under my palm

bruise blooming purple

tiles staying white

my reflection leans forward

covered in clean