but

my eyes

too big, too red

but when i think about how many times

they have gazed upon the face of someone i love,

or beheld in them the vast beauty of a clear night sky,

they no longer feel so out of place

my mouth,

too small, too pale,

but when i am reminded of the

kisses they’ve shared,

whispered words of admiration

passed through their gates,

i wouldn’t have it any other way

my chest,

too big, too awkward

but when i remember

that it encases my heart, my soul,

holding dear everything that keeps me alive

and makes me who i am,

i rejoice for it and all it confines

my arms,

too thick, too freckeled

but when i recall

all the warm embraces they’ve ever shared,

holding close whom i hold dear,

and carrying all i’ve owned with care,

i am glad that they’re always by my side

my hands,

too stubby, too scarred

but when i consider

all the other hands they’ve held,

all the melodies they’ve tapped out

on yellowing piano keys,

i am greatful to have their grip

my legs,

too muscular, too long

but when i realize

that they’ve carried me everywhere i’ve ever gone,

through each new day, to each new place,

and held me up even when the world wanted to bring me down,

i know that they’re just right for me

when i think about myself,

it’s far too easy to be blinded

by hating what i immediately see.

but when i think about all that i love,

i realize everything that i hate

is percisely what brings it to me.

and it’s not so hard to love myself anymore.