Can You See Me Now?

Don’t tell me,
“You are beautiful.”
Don’t tell me,
“I love your hair.”
Don’t comment on my weight or
my body’s current shape.

When you say these things,
I know you say them
with love.
I know you are seeking
connection
with me.

I know you want
to build me up
and this seems better
than the ways
we were taught
to tear each other
down.

But the type of connections
I need
are deeper
than the surface of this skin—
this skin
that I’ve been taught
my worth is contained within.

Compliment my words,
my strength,
my uniqueness.
See me—
Not my physical body—

Me!

This shell is a valuable container
for all that I am.
And it’s strong,
resilient,
and badass.
But it isn’t me.

This drowning obsession
with the bodies of things
leaves me sorrow-filled
and deeply longing
for real connection.

I feel isolated
and objectified
when this becomes
about the way I look.

I see you.
Now,
see me.

I’m complex,
messy,
paradoxical,
and deep.

I invite you to see
all that I am offering.
Not
Just
This
Body.

~