I belong in my body.

It is my birthright to be seen and feel safe in this world.

But I live in a sick society, obsessed with image.

Causing me to question my value and worth.

I live in a disordered society.

Where criticizing my body and bodies of others is the norm.

The systems of oppression have made it unsafe to be in my body.

Patriarchy has stripped me of being the keeper of this body I call  home.

I shift shape just to feel safe in this world.

I hide or seek the gaze for “beauty” acceptance; but where do I belong?

Who determines where I belong? How do I belong? Am I worthy of this breath?

I can’t take it any longer. Chasing a phantom version of myself is sucking the life out of what feels like my last breath.

I belong right here, in this body I call home.

I no longer absorb the pathology I hear on the daily.

I no longer berate my body for the ways it doesn’t conform.

Because you see, these systems of oppression have birthed us to fear our bodies.

We have been manipulated to shame larger bodies and declare war against these human sausage casings that host our souls. 

How do we know when the war is over and who has won?

It is my birthright to be seen and safe in this world.

My body is like your body. It gives me the breath I need to be here now. To be myself.

My body is a reservoir of wisdom.

It knows truths that surpass the surface. It knows that victory comes from making peace with it.

I hold up my arms and surrender.

 I accept you body, and we belong together.