Poetry

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MANYLAYERS

Epidermis
What you see is what you get,
Hmm, that’s what many say.
But that remains to be seen,
As you go deeper in my skin.

For just like this layer,
It appears to be clear.
I think they call “translucent,”
Frosted glass, visibly a barrier,
Protective and thin.
For light can only go so far;
Partially ajar.

It’s always dependent
On that which lies beneath
Oxygen and blood vessels,
Nutrients it needs.

Easily detached, injured, exfoliated.
Have you taken the time to look at my eyes?
You will see how sensitive that layer can be.

Dermis
What you see is what you get
Hmm, that’s what many say.
But that remains to be seen
As you go deeper in my skin.

Come and journey to see what lies within.
Connective tissue that cushions my body,
Free from stress and pain.
There are nerve endings that
Allow me to feel and change.
Blood vessels (channels) that provide nourishment and removes waste
For itself and other layers.

I have two layers here:
One is superficial; the other is deeper and thicker
One contours and marks me with a unique pattern called a fingerprint.
Can you guess who I really am?

Very thick, elastic, protein fibers.
I have strength, elasticity, extensibility.


Subcutaneous fat.
Homeostasis equals balance.
Lots of Insulation
Helps me maintain my heat cause
I’m mostly fat all around.

Is what you see, what you get?
Hmm, that’s what many said.
But that remains to be seen,
Cause there's more than meets the eye!
© Thelma P. Jackson

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