My face tells stories
I never volunteered to share.
Red constellations
across my cheeks,
tiny mountains
I try to hide with layers
and careful lighting.
I’ve memorized angles.
I know which side
is “better.”
I know the panic
of unexpected flash.
They say,
“It’s just skin.”
But it feels like introduction.
Like the first thing people see
before they hear me.
Still
this skin protects me.
Heals itself quietly at night.
Carries laughter,
tears,
sunlight.
Maybe it is not “clear.”
Maybe it is real.
And maybe beauty
was never meant
to be filtered. 🤍
Kids Help Phone (KHP) is honoured to share creative content submitted by youth from coast to coast to coast as they Feel Out Loud with us. We thank the Feel Out Loud Community Creator of this piece for their contribution to youth mental health and well-being in Canada. For more information on the Feel Out Loud Community Creator Space and / or how you can submit your own creative content for possible publication, you can visit the submission page.
