they stay by my side

and hold my secrets

they listen to my mind

whisper at night

they shake when i cry

and dance when i laugh

they are the most loyal friends

and most often mistreated

subject to my shame

but they will never leave

witness to the pain

i thought they were causing me

i tell them to go!

i am a skinny body.

i think they are at the wrong address

they must be here for someone else

but there is no one else home

in this flesh and bone

just a little girl

who is afraid to change

afraid to grow and afraid to know

what is past the body that i learned is beauty? how do i love myself in a way i was never taught?

they embrace me and do not let me go

they love me in a way that i did not even know

i am touched

for the first time

i am healed

do not cling to my hips!

i will hold you here

do not shy from the world!

you can come out now.

your existence is beautiful and i will never hide you again.

i am sorry. i love you. my rolls and folds.