To Not Acquiesce

To Not Acquiesce by Saskia Mahar-Piersma

My thighs that shrink in size with every missed meal no longer can carry me to the top of MOUNT EVEREST 

My stomach is flat and 

R 

I 

B 

S are showing 

I cannot eat without vomiting up my intended 

love for myself 

My face has narrowed with unnatural contours 

My smile hurts to hold while I say 

“I’m Fine” 

My e y e s are puffy and yet small 

Any show of happiness makes them disappear into the folds Of a face that cannot really be happy 

I will not acquiesce to the shame of my body 

I Have: 

Hands that stroke hair of my loved ones

Teaching me that love is necessary to flourish 

I Have: 

b OO bs that dance with my belly — dancing to the beat of my passion 

I Have: 

A brain that communicates and learns Giving me the chance to be inspired 

I Have: 

A heart that that is compassionate 

A nose that smells flowers 

A mouth that gives kisses 

I Have: 

A body 

worth 

loving