Dear body,

There is so much I would like to say, but let me start off by saying “thank you.”

Thank you for loving me, especially on days when I feel most unlovable.

Thank you for holding space for me to feel seen.

Thank you for making space for me to feel safe.

Thank you for being the space which I call “home.”

Thank you for holding me up when I’m falling apart.

Thank you for believing in me when I had no faith.

Thank you for being you.

I have not always been so kind,

especially to you.

I have called you names

and punched you in the face.

I have taken you through hell

and wondered why

you burned in the flames.

I’ve expected more from you

than I ever expected from myself.

I’ve kept you from the world,

and I’ve kept you from what you need.

Never again will I spill blood

for the sake of needing to know

I was alive.

You are everything to me,

and I will spend every day

making it known just how special you are.

This one’s for you,

the you that has risen from the rubble;

the you that has risen in resiliency.

This one’s for you, oh body of mine.

This one’s for you.

~