The rush of warm air as

the sliding doors glide open.

Familiar smells,

and unfamiliar faces

Endless doors,

transformative entrances to stores.

It’s a whole world,

a microcosm for consumerism,

but I feel at home.

Disgust swells up inside of me. 

This life is so frivolous.

Filling shopping bags 

with broken dreams,

deep regrets,

and bitter disappointments.

Buying items I will never need,

but their absence forever haunts me.

I wish I didn’t smile when someone tells me I’m pretty.

I should just know.

Or at least not care.

Who am I to be selfish?

What have I done to enjoy luxury?

Yet at the same time - 

that dress is irresistible. 

The mannequin is effortlessly thin and elegant.

Maybe I’ll just try it on.

Stolen glances in the mirror warp reality.

I am 6 ft. tall with long ringlets of hair

draping down my back.

Strong and independent,

surrounded by people, 

or love. 

Sometimes, I get them confused. 

How unfair that she is plastic and beautiful,

and all I am is human.