by Elizabeth Claire

Created on: November 05, 2008   Last Updated: August 02, 2011

The Reflection
(A Woman's Gaze at Her Own)

Gaze upon my body, and gain the knowledge of my soul.
For this body carries the scars of all the battles that I have won and lost.
Each wrinkle ... each roll, a permanent memory of trial and triumph.

These lips that once kissed your soft small face,
and sang you to sleep, and scared all the monsters away,
Are unchanged save they hold more experience and more compassion
within the fine lines that now frame them.

These breasts that once were your sustenance,
And are now your pleasure. From birth to death,
They rise and fall against the majesty of your breath.

These veins that have made their way to the surface,
Like a road map meant to carry you,
Through all the steps that it took me to get here today,
Standing ... naked ... in front of your judgmental eyes.

I understand now the fantasy and your fear,
of I, who created you without consciousness, without instruction,
From this body that bleeds with no fear of death.

Gaze upon this body, and accept the frightening truth that lies in its being.
On this earth there is no equal,
To the beauty that stands here ... naked ... before your wondering eyes.

Learn more about this author, Elizabeth Claire.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.