This Body
from Out With Lanterns
Upon first watching the video of myself jumping into Lake Tahoe, I noticed only belly, cellulite. This requires reexamination. Look at that brave body leaping. Look at it jump in to water that, just a few days ago, was ice, snow. See how that ice changed, shape- shifted with warmth, with light. See how my body felt the cool lake breeze, stood hairs on end. See how the cold stole my breath just as I’d asked it to. Reclaim. See how I emerged exclaiming. This body has built humans, homes, carries stories. Such blasphemy to expect that it be free of dents, bumps, scars.
This poem is so special to me as the one taking said video. Loved to have witnessed it, loved to have seen you be so brave, loved the poem!
I have thought a lot about how critical of my body I was my whole life, to the point of denying myself the joy of jumping into a lake! Oh what I wouldn't give to dive in one more time!