Shedding the Old Me

Shedding the exoskeleton hurts
I can feel my skin loosen
It's itchy
It's making me uncomfortable
I knew it was time to molt
But I know this skin
This skin is my home
No matter how unhappy it can make me
It's my normal
My stability
I had to grow this skin
It made me fit in
But this skin doesn't fit me anymore
I've grown
I know I need to shed it
As it starts to peel, I feel the changes
I reflect on how my choices have led to this
I'm going to help peel it
It stings a little
I'll try just the arms first
So smooth
So radiant
After the sting, it feels kinda nice
I'll keep going
Now the legs
That hurt less
I feel warm
Like sunshine hitting my skin
I'll keep going
And going
And going
Belly chest back
All that's left is my face
What if people don't recognize me?
Would that be a bad thing?
I would still be me
Right?
If it has felt this good so far then it can't be that bad
Let's go for it
I'll take my time
I'll peel slowly
Little more
Take a deep breath and pull the last part
Deep breath deep breath deep breath
Pull!
Oh, wow
My face
I'm me, but not me
I'm..I'm beautiful
I understand now
I'll keep this new skin
It fits quite nice