Family and acquaintances
and friends of my mother
say I should model.
“You’re so tall.” “Photogenic!”
“All legs and cheekbones.”
They throw hollow praises.
I’m not skinny anymore,
but the compliments land.
I want to live the fairy tale,
want to be special,
and modeling
seems the fastest, easiest way.
I’ve already got a jumpstart
on the eating disorder.
Approached at the mall,
I sign up for classes
at John Casablancas Elite Models.
They train us
to put on makeup
walk in heels
twist our torsos
to look thin-thinner-thinnest in photos
Mom is elated
I’m living out her beautiful dream.