about how I looked
in the eyes of others
And I was able to say
“This is my body
It’s been through a lot
and it shows
It is not perfect
stretch marks and scars
but this is what I have
this is what I nurture
I keep it and treasure it
It wasn’t always like this
it was more nimble once
and its skin smoother
And even if I didn’t always
now you and I will
treat it with care
As though it may still
suffer some blows
I shan’t let it be buffeted in vain
ever again
This is my body
and if you don’t like it
I have no other”
One day I stopped worrying
and loved the soul and the vessel
my choice to keep or to change
and loved, loved, loved
