A Story: Poem by Julia Manganaro

It’s just a story.

But this is a new chapter where I adorn myself in beauty. I lovingly brush my daughters’ long hair. Every stroke and tangle we tackle I tell them it’s beautiful.

I will tell them to show up as loud and boisterous or as quiet and thoughtful as they please.

Eva will wear every color.

Ellie will wear her leather jacket with holes in her jeans.

I will admire my smile lines and stretch marks and every little crevice that I’m supposed to fill or fix. Instead of nipping and tucking and tweezing and plucking I could learn to love it.

And if someone comes in, they’ll love it, too.

It’s just a story that no one will love you.

It’s just a little story. Nothing more than a story.