Empty Shell

by Kimmy Howell

First line taken from Border Patrol Agent in Guillotine by Eduardo C. Corral 
Sometimes only body parts remain 
An empty shell 
My insides scooped out with a rusted spoon 
I stare at the strange reflection in the mirror 
And I do not recognize the person who stares back 
With hair knotted to her head 
And black mascara that runs down her rounded cheeks 
I avert my eyes the image something I can no longer bear 
I press the large bruise on my thigh like a button 
Hoping to feel something 
Hoping that my body will become mine again one day 
I try to remind myself that he is no longer in control 
But his grip is still tight in my memories 
Squeezing so tight 
The walls crush in on themselves