Body Poem I wouldn’t say I hate my body Because I’m not allowed to I’m tall and skinny and Gosh, aren’t I perfect? At dance My safe place “Suck in your tummy, I can see your lunch” At family dinners “You should eat more, you’re all skin and bones” But also… “Don’t eat too much, I’d hate for you to lose that figure” Constantly told “You aren’t allowed to complain, Look at yourself you’re… Perfect.” I don’t feel perfect I feel tired and hungry and Scared Tired of obsessing and worrying Hungry for more but afraid of changing Scared of how toxic I’ve become to myself I hate to love myself I’ve been conditioned to feel wrong about it Told not to be cocky The obsession and the nit-picking, The mirror and measuring tape. I hate to love myself but I love to hate myself Natalie Greenberg ‘24
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