My body is my home.
And it is mine alone.
It is a glorious piece of art
Designed for me and only me.
It can dance
and run
And sing
And hug
And love
And weep
And laugh
And fight
If I choose to use it that way.
My body is mine to care for
Mine to feed
with all of the exquisite
Flavors of the world
Mine to cover in citrousy lotion
And shave until my skin
is smooth as butter
Mine to decorate with tattoos
And jewelry
Mine to spritz with cologne
And wash with lavender soap
Mine to exercise
Until my arms and stomach match
The strength of my soul.
My body is not for you
To grope or to ogle
To bite or to bruise
To catcall or use.
To judge or to criticize
To tell how to dress
To possessively caress.
My standards will be
Held as high as my head.
We are no longer victims
We are survivors
We thrive.
We band together and cry
When we are not believed.
We are dragons when we’re angry.
And we will be victorious
And glorious.
My body is radiant
With power and beauty
It is small but strong
And will not go along
With your whims
Anymore.