thisiswhatitfeelslike - THE ART OF GRACIE

"this is what it feels like" (2022-2023)

This mini-series of black-and-white, gore-like illustrations, explains the horrors of processing and living with certain mental blocks through visual imagery and poetry.
The first two installments were published on SUNY Fredonia's 2023 issue The Trident. *

This is what it feels like
When

My chest starts to tighten
Enclosing black spots
And knifes in my throat
Where I feel the pressure
Sinking through
And I can’t keep afloat

This is what it feels like
When

They’re getting loud
Desperate to be let out
It’s heavy to cope
When I can’t grasp
When these thoughts fall down
The slippery slope

This is what it feels like
When
You feel disconnected from your brain
And your heartbeat feels
Nostalgically the same

This is what it feels like
When
Your mind decides the factor
And difficult to guide
Hiding your thoughts
But unable to lie

This is what it feels like
When
Your hearts on your sleeve
And your tears start to stream
“You’ve failed again”
As your heart stings and bleeds

This is what it feels like
When
You plant perfection
For everyone to see
But inside it’s chaotic
That you’re constantly
Trying to flee

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