To my younger self,
Your body is nothing of which to find shame
It’ll nudge you when something isn’t right
A twinge in your soft belly
It’ll lift heavy things and you’ll smile in amazement
It’ll bend and stretch and take you through
Foreign lands
France
Spain
Egypt
Palestine
It’ll let you know if it’s too hot
Or too cold
It’ll create space for new life
It’ll allow you to experience pleasure written of by the poets
Your body will care for you on your life journey
It’ll rest and restore when needed
It’ll embrace friends and share the comfort
Of a well needed hug
It’ll hold hands with lovers and
send a glorious shiver throughout
It’ll be guided by music and sway at celebrations
weddings
parties
It’ll release emotions with tears to alleviate
the weight in your heart when broken.
Your face will be gently held by your grandmother
when she is well and when she is dying. You’ll cherish both.
and when you glance in the mirror she’ll be there too.
your eyes, your nose, your cheekbones
her history embedded in your reflection.
Some people will comment on your shape
Negative
And positive
But neither ends of the pendulum are of concern
Because It is not theirs
It is yours
Do not find shame, dear younger self.
ProfDolske 