literature

sammi

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camelopardalisinblue's avatar
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Literature Text

sammi understands alopecia
from a different angle:

five years ago, she lifted curls
and pulled, stripping her scalp
in patches; left strands
in bedclothes and filled bins
with russet locks.

sammi understands compulsion
because even now she carves tunnels
across her skull; scraps of skin
grainy against the softness
of her fingertips.

sammi still understands humiliation
when smooth-skinned beauty
eludes her; sees shame
all over the bloody edges
of her nails.
I originally titled this "sammi (trichotillomania)" but though I'd always thought they were linked, it turns out skin picking is a separate condition and doesn't fall under the trich umbrella. It is absolutely possible to struggle with both things, though, either at once or at separate times in your life.
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haphazardmelody's avatar
I realize that trich is different than skin picking...but, still. You're not alone. I just wanted you to know that.