I walk daily in a world where
this picture
this swimsuit
this body
will cast doubt on the truth of my experiences

I was raised in a world where
this sensuality
this confidence
this body
were regarded as sinful and impure

I was taught to believe that
this sexuality
this passion
this body
would cause men to do terrible things to me

so I spent 23 years repressing
this beauty
this freedom
this body
to save the souls of men

but what I’ve come to realize is
this body
my body
SHE
cannot save anyone but ME

if only I make space for her to do so