Ayse Guvenilir, MS1
i haven’t showered in a week and a half
my hair is in disarray
thousands of knots leaving it flattened and sealed and matted
like a long haired cat strands standing up in the back haphazardly
like i laid on the asphalt on Vassar between Stata and McGovern on purpose
clearly i broke my leg — why does it sound like i did it —
se me rompió mi pierna — there, much better —
there are bruises under my eyes
a puffiness that took seven days to heal (not really)
dried blood and 2 stitches at the top of my nose and scabs
and NOW
you say i’m
beautiful?
About the Author: Ayse Guvenilir was born in Austin into a family with a Venezuelan mother, a Turkish father, and three older brothers. Growing up in Texas, France, and various parts of upstate New York, she has always used reading and writing for connection, reflection, and relaxation as she moved from place to place. Ayse studied at MIT, getting her bachelor’s degree in biological engineering with a minor in creative writing and master’s degree in Media Arts & Sciences. She is currently a first year medical student. Through her work, Ayse aims to empathize, educate, and inspire, the way that the works of others have always done for her.
About the Work: A poem from a patient’s perspective after getting hit by a car while on a bike. Explores the complex emotions with being called beautiful a week later. Touches on the limitation of the English language.
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