they like to disguise our
health and
body language
with materialism
adorn the germs with gems
and jewels
they say
with sparkling bracelets
by obscure designer names that
drip pearls onto
white-washed skin
but the truth is we are all born from our
pathogens
hold my bacteria-hand
caress my twirling cheeks
embrace hidden
diseases
my diagnosis is a
flattened flower-petal crown
and rocket-high blood cell count
and tangible skin
not the porcelain models on the
television
the truth is
bacteria squirms in
materialism
spitting out sparkles
and highlighted blues and
faded hues
as if they were toxic
hold my bacteria-hand
kiss my twirling cheeks
look at yourself
through my glossy pupils
and tell me if
I should
mirror the eyes
of my
beholder