Girls Like Me

AftermathI whip out fake smile reserved for Monday mornings, cheerleaders Stepmoms Kara stitches series of mom-esque words Forming dubious praise“Your face is so pretty this morning” = You look fat“I made egg white omelets and wheat toast” = So you will no longer be fat“It’s nice out. You should walk home today.” = So you can be less fatKara is stuck With me Shay Summers: pretty-faced fat girl who Reads. Writes. Thinks. Too muchDad diedSelfish, Dad, very selfish.“Don’t be late for school” = Don’t stay behind, pig out, get more fatFlashes her best fake smile The one she keeps in the freezer So that it stays Frozen In Place“See you later”Finally alone, I call on my friends: Breakfast burrito. Banana cream pie. Butter.They are all missing There’s been a massacreKara’s soldiers: Fat-free Sugar-free Reduced Lite SkimWiped out all my friends Not even condiments RemainI recall My loveCould it survive savage, unprovoked attack? Scour area Attempt rescueNo survivors Rest in peace, Apple-wood baconFlash of red packaging Resembles my lover’s faceA prayer A hope Fragile but realPull in closer Oscar Mayer Bacon!Turkey bacon? All is lost . . .