When puberty came, I kept
Body slim and hungry
When the male gaze found me,
I covered Body with baggy clothes
Scars form valleys and roads across
Body, such as I raged against it
Fingers down my throat,
punishing.
Young adulthood brought new understandings,
Body grew and I allowed it to expand,
to get full and heavy with life.
Where razors once drew, tiny
hands drag soft fingers-
Love.
Body is soft, cozy-
a warm nest for children
A quiet rest from exploring,
learning, growing taller.
Body is nourishment;
milk and blood and bone.
Body is allowed hunger, thirst,
-pleasure, even.
Acceptance.
Love.
