I see you in the mirror
- eyes fixated on what you call flaws.
The way you grimace at the weight your body carries,
the slight unevenness of your teeth,
your glasses resting on your nose.
I see you in the photograph
- comparing yourself to the other girls,
wondering why you can't be more like them
when it comes to makeup and clothes
and feeling confidant and radiant every day.

I see how your face lights up when you
come home and your dog is waiting at the door,
tail wagging as she circles your legs.
I see the beauty in your smile shine
when he cheers you up because he knows
you're having a rough day and you're sad.
I see you celebrating your victories no
matter how small they seem and I
see you picking yourself back up when
life knocks you down.

I see you showing up every day,
rain or shine, because we both know
the work of being us is never done.

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