(ups And Downs Collection) .... Body Image (Revised And Reposted) Poem by Janice Windle

One morning I discover
an unwanted softness at my hip.
Distressed, I cry, 'Where's my pelvis gone? '
'Buried in cellulite, my dear, '
comes back the accusing tone,
'and look, how your breasts and belly sag! '
I look, and see a dreadful sight -
I've put on twenty kilos overnight!

Quick, quick, the remedy!
Avoid the scales - instead,
to the wardrobe, gather evidence
that what I see is merely in my head.

But what is this?
The jeans that yesterday
fitted like a glove
now squeeze me in an iron vice.
They've shrunk - I curse and pray -
with every failed attempt to close the zips
I add another metre on my hips.

I search and search
and then at last I find it -

my Favourite Dress....

It fits! And with relief I can't express
I twirl and preen, and now I realise
my body is again its proper size!