I used to hate my skin tone,
the color and texture of my hair
it said not white
and not white said to me
not loved
but then I grew up
and learned that love doesn't have to come from others
so I love my bouncy waves
and the golden honey-olive
I love my full, sweetheart lips
(You, know, the ones you told me to tuck in
even though you always pouted yours in the mirror.
I used to wish I had lips that deserved to be pouted)

I used to hate my breasts
and those "parts" unmentionable
they said girl,
not male,
and not male said
less loved
but then I heard woman in my own voice,
not spat along with dishes
and cooking
and ironing
now, once in a while I look in the mirror
and I always like what I see
the pretty curves
soft round on my chest.
and that forbidden place has a name.
vagina. oops, I said it.
hm. It has a ring to it