"You've gained so much weight," Auntie Says

Images by Cedric Nzaka & Lwazi Mncongwane

Do not comment on my physique
This body does not exist for your critique

I live here
With demons you would fear
My own self-loathing is enough to make one thing clear

This body of mine...

Has been raped
& unmade

Torn, sewn, and torn apart again
Starved & force-fed

...the husk of a woman remains

Do not force conversation about my form
I live here
I need not be met with my body's horror