Stare

I stare at myself in the mirror

Sometimes for minutes at a time

Thoughts on how I much I love myself

Or hate myself

Depending on the time of day and the color of my mood

I would say things like "Hey, sexy!" or "Damn, I can't stand this (insert body part here)"

Sometime I angle my body so it can look like an artist drew me

And then I'll paint myself with jewelry

But the best time is when I get out the shower

Then I'll get vulnerable with my reflection

Picking myself apart and examining every natural fiber.

Working hard to accept what's before me as a masterpiece

Because I have scarred myself with verbal missile attacks

There are things that not even cocoa butter can heal

But each day I'm accepting of what makes my body unique

Not that it's aesthetically perfect

But strong, functional, and healthy.

Today I stare at myself in the mirror

Because I'm entranced at what makes me beautiful

Which is my growing confidence and declaration of my own existence.