The Prize

(artwork: "Diva Divine", Frank Morrison)

I will not bow down to the world’s definition of who I should be
I'm not willing to accept its forced concept of beauty
I refuse to listen to rhetoric about the ‘perfect people'
I will not watch the ‘dream' makeovers -
The lipo, the tucks, collagen, the pulls, the pins, going under the knife – no
MY perception of beauty differs vastly from those

ACCEPT ME
kinky dark hair (and a bit of gray); dark brown skin;
my beautiful full figure
(I haven't seen size 6 since elementary school)!
I have given birth, and my belly will never be flat again
My son is my living testament to the Blessing produced by my belly
My hands are not soft and tender, for I have known physical labor
I've lived life – I have scars
Some physical, some emotional – ALL helped to strengthen
I have endured; I have suffered through;
I have walked alone, enjoying my own company
I will NEVER be a runway model

KNOW NOW ME
I am daughter, sister, friend, lover, boss –
I AM MOMMY
I raise nations
And my head is held high.
the stride in my step; the sway of my hips
the roundness and fullness of my breasts
the thickness of my thighs
we all originate from one source
He thinks I’m beautiful
I am divinely created

I am the prize!

copyright ©2006 Tonya C

(Friday May 19, 2006 - 09:50pm (EDT))