Body Positivity Sestina

 

A younger me once in the mirror look

I saw myself and for the first time found

the details of my shapes, the very me

that I had not had time to sit and rest

to gaze on my reflection and to know

that this body within I did not love

 

For magazines had told me to gain love

Had to be thin and so I would then look

At all the bodies of the ones I know

and judge myself. I had concluded, found

that I felt so much different than the rest

I did not feel quite good enough for me

 

Now I’ve learned that I’m not alone, yes me

not unlike women past, we all need love

we all can come together and find rest

If in the mirror just like me you look

Then you are human too, just like we found

and that is something pretty nice to know

 

Some media has started to say no

to shaming certain women’s bodies, me

to feel secure about my flaws. I’d found

More flaws in models’ glamour shots shown. Love

yourself, it’s finally in style. Don’t look

at all the rich and famous, all the rest

 

This body positivity lets me rest

my shoulders when I sit down, though I know

my peers upon my slight slouched posture look.

However slow the process, I am me

to others and myself I will give love

See, happiness in this way is best found

 

See others may point out flaws you have found

So when this happens take my tip of rest

Let your mind wander to a place of love

And let a smile spread your face, say “Know

while that may be true, I am lovely me

I am much more than just my usual look”

 

Find yourself in good company with me

Look at your reflection with pride and rest,

knowing that your whole self is loved