Shame

I have wrapped myself
in flesh
until I am no more.

Layer upon layer
I have built up
my body
until it is
an armored
fat suit
no one
could or would
penetrate.

Now you ask me
to peel back the flesh
like I am an onion
so easily moved.

The years do not melt
away just because
we want them to.

I'm not me
when I look in the mirror
but that doesn't mean
I know who I am
underneath
all these years
of emptiness.