Vanishing Act

 

I’ve lost two more pounds I say that’s fourteen total now

the APRN stops scrolling the blood test results

how do you feel

I feel good and go on

to explain how the ridges of  my upper rib cage

reflected in a mirror

surprised me

to myself I scroll through mental images

of gaunt shipwrecked sailors

and stereotypical scarecrows

 

I’ve upped my protein intake

If you want to gain you need carbohydrates

are you telling me as a medical professional

to eat more pasta

she won’t commit to that

but I call it a win

 

that night the skeleton attempts to debate me

muscle mass versus bone and cartilage

without my framework

you would be nothing do you hear me

nothing

 

[RK, 4/19/2026]