AFTER I SHOWER (Poem)

AFTER I SHOWER

By Farah Lawal Harris , © 2023

I see collarbones and ripples of ribs

when I view my nude body

in the mirror now.

Down 25 pounds since cutting meat and dairy;

lost a couple more from chemotherapy.

Old voices in accents like my parents’

demand I to eat more.

Newer voices in standard American accents

suggest I try the Keto diet.

But lately, those voices are quiet.

I’m perfect.

Yeah, these breasts have seen better days

after fluctuating weight, nursing child

and tumor.

This womb mothered

fibroids and fetus.

These hips wrestled

lust, guilt and Jesus.

I see bright eyes and raised cheekbones

when I view my spirit

in the mirror now.

I’m so much more than a body.

This form now close to 40

and still ain’t peaked.