The smallest cluster
Of brown black
In an uneven smudge
At the left of my knee
Down a little
This marking
Etched into my skin
Could create a cloud
Of fog across my body
And make me sick
And it makes me sick
To see you sit
In that selfish sun
To burn and blister
That perfect body
To let your flesh turn
White to pink
And then to coffee stain
Whilst I lay here
Out of sight
To protect my already
Collapsing frame
Preserve some skin left
Not yet stretched
To fill the holes
As you stretch
Your ‘perfect tan’
Across sun lounger
And in every photo
You look good
With that bronze haze
And everyone stares at you
And say ‘You’re glowing’
And I look up
To watch the backs of their heads