In the Mirror
I start with my eyes
I reassure myself that I am safe
in that stare, in that state,
I can trust what I see
and it’s all there. I am safe
with myself
as myself
In this moment
I see the line across my stomach
where the top half settles on the bottom
I remind myself that I am made
of sweet treats, green leaves,
juicy, crunchy, savory things
I see my breasts tremble,
see my nipples sprawl, totally at ease
I resist the urge to tease
I take a deep breath in
and rely on my beauty. Not what others have
told me is beautiful. This is supreme being
This is me.
This is who I have become
in times of struggle, but beyond the need
to be
Any way at all.
My jaw softens naturally
My thighs roll out
I see the legs that have carried me
Through the mud and the storms and the trees
I see my sex, drooping pink, tender to the touch
So free
To exact my body
To be exactly here, in this precious space
Myself
I will never exist somewhere else
Not on the scale, nor the mirror.
I am here.
Photo by Inga Gezalian on Unsplash