One morning I discover
an unwanted softness at my hip.
Distressed, I cry, 'Where's my pelvis gone? '
'Buried in cellulite, my dear, '
comes back the accusing tone,
'and look, how your breasts and belly sag! '
I look, and see a dreadful sight -
I've put on twenty kilos overnight!
Quick, quick, the remedy!
Avoid the scales - instead,
to the wardrobe, gather evidence
that what I see is merely in my head.
But what is this?
The jeans that yesterday
fitted like a glove
now squeeze me in an iron vice.
They've shrunk - I curse and pray -
with every failed attempt to close the zips
I add another metre on my hips.
I search and search
and then at last I find it -
my Favourite Dress....
It fits! And with relief I can't express
I twirl and preen, and now I realise
my body is again its proper size!
Janice Windle
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/ups-and-downs-collection-body-image-revised-and-reposted/
