Figure Problems

I came across this poem written by a recovered eating disorder patient. I think it is remarkable and felt that I had to share it.

Figure Problems- Allison Joseph

Our eyes are trained to search
for flaws, to see our bodies
as problems that must be solved-

thighs too heavy, ankles too weak,
hips too wide to suit an ideal we did not create;
trained to see each body part is fundamentally
troubled, astray.

We learn to conceal, not reveal, not to show
the weaknessess each magazine cover
prompts us to hide, shrouding
or starving ourselves submissive.

What if we were to disregard
the slogans that keep us indoors,
to shun the shame that marks us imperfect,

using our bodies as we please,
pleasure more important now,
more necessary than perfection,

our senses stirred as we walk outside,
moving thighs and hips however we want,
moving forward in steady rhythmic motion,

feeling power deep in calves, knees, arms,
pushing as if against current, yet still mobile,
aware of the air we breathe,
the persistent throb of our heart, pulse.

What if our bodies were ours to master,
not the province of pills or diet shakes;
our own machines to use however we wanted,
with variations here and there,

room for the slim and the curved
the angular and the heavy,
each one of us pushing the other
on, not holding anyone back.