In 2000, little girl’s brought to life,
As she grew up, happiness was rife.
Twenty years later, the mirror showed,
A reflection she must further probe,
To finally accept how much she’s thrived.
Marie is a little kid I once knew,
Almond eyes, carefree, kind, friends few;
Amidst the crowd, she glowed as she sung,
Cute, chubby cheeks made her cheerful, so young.
School brought out the best in her: medals, trophies;
Competitions here and there, pride to her families.
Bad days came and went but she stood, faced her fears,
Friends’ hands in hers, though in her eyes were tears.
One morning, she looked in the mirror, dazed:
Chest, hips, body, blemishes —none to be praised,
All she saw was growth, but not vertically;
Stepped out of the room, breathing frantically.
Planned workouts, reduced intakes – tried all she could,
She hated the mirror, her pants, her skin, fatty food;
But music came whooshing into her room, changed her mind;
Loving yourself is the greatest gift you’ll ever find.
A tree’s growing tall,
Branches reaching out, swaying,
Embracing what is.