Anatomy of an Asshole, Part One - Hearts Are Red:

by WhistElleP

Published October 25, 2026

16+ Mature Content

In Anatomy of An Asshole:

Warning: This work has been rated 16+ for mature content.

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TW: Mentions/hints at suicide, racism, slavery, & self-harm (without the intention of harm, but results).

You'r(e) flesh,
My('m) flesh,
Us, flesh.
Flaps, folds, wrinkles, holes.

United﹖ by (white) skin,
Torn by (a)parts.

...

Bleach me like paper,
Hang me (to dry),
Wear me thin,
Throw me aside,

"OVERBOARD!"
"Overboard...!"

I've cut myself loose.

Lass or lassie,
Coloured, alike...
Flesh,
We are,
Red painting our insides.

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Stickied · WhistElleP commented Comment · 11h ago

Small Details/Fun Facts:

Torn by (a)parts

This portion of the poem is hinting at the idea that sexism is still prevalent today. (This stanza is also referencing the horrors that occured in the holocaust, along with other race-based tragedies that history holds.)
Bleach me like paper,

This part is referencing colourism in Asia.
"OVERBOARD!"

Many slaves during the Atlantic Slave Trade jumped overboard to avoid the conditions that were being enslaved.
I've cut myself loose.

In this stanza I was originally going to make a reference to being hung/hanging oneself.

Stanzas (from stanza 8-15) are from the point of view of a slave during the Atlantic Slave Trade.



As my artist’s statement explains, my work is utterly incomprehensible and is therefore full of deep significance.
— Calvin