Confection

Written by Regan Chern in response to a digital artwork by Charlie Nieuwenhuyzen

I lay my mirror down,

           Stand over it,

           Watch myself in the nude.

I am the better Narcissus

           Peering into my pool.

           For want of being improved.

I draw a black satin ribbon ‘round 

           All parts of me, 

           To amputate.

This produce will be sold.

           Hand over the phone. 

           I can be confectionery if 

           In the right wrapping.

I ask, 

           Do you like my mother’s earrings, 

           My father’s feet, his thighs⎯

           Our dowry, if you choose me, 

           I can give you

           Every night.

I’ll sell you this, 

           Only to never see 

           Face to face. 

Artist Bio:

Hi! I’m Charlie (he/him), a 22-year-old trans artist living on Kabi Kabi land (The Sunshine Coast). I’m in my final year of my BFA majoring in Visual Arts, and I’m super excited to be a part of the ScratchThat team for early 2026! If I’m not making something for my studio class, find me absorbed in the pages of a book or listening to the same three artists on my refurbished iPod classic.