CasSandra Calin
My Belly
Is the very first place
I ever received a gift
Umbilical cord delivering love and nutrients
She, my belly, is evidence
That I put into myself
My culture's culinary expression
Edible poetry
My bell
Is the first place to bear attack
Therefore she needs to be
Strong, round, and unapologetic
They will sexualize my thighs
And objectify my chest
But my feet will carry me
And my belly will lead the way
My belly juts out
Validating my three-dimensionality
I am here
I am not a cardboard cut-out
I live and carry life
My belly asks questions
Causes disruptions
To your cookie-cutter standard of beauty
I have filled my belly
With warm buttery rolls
And pumpernickel bread
And gingerbread men
Whose bellies look like mine
Do you think that gingerbread men
Look into mirrors and hate their bellies?
My lips are thin
My hair is matted
My eyes are brown
My belly is round
And I am proud
The umbilical cord has been cut
But there is still love
Flowing in my belly.
Is the very first place
I ever received a gift
Umbilical cord delivering love and nutrients
She, my belly, is evidence
That I put into myself
My culture's culinary expression
Edible poetry
My bell
Is the first place to bear attack
Therefore she needs to be
Strong, round, and unapologetic
They will sexualize my thighs
And objectify my chest
But my feet will carry me
And my belly will lead the way
My belly juts out
Validating my three-dimensionality
I am here
I am not a cardboard cut-out
I live and carry life
My belly asks questions
Causes disruptions
To your cookie-cutter standard of beauty
I have filled my belly
With warm buttery rolls
And pumpernickel bread
And gingerbread men
Whose bellies look like mine
Do you think that gingerbread men
Look into mirrors and hate their bellies?
My lips are thin
My hair is matted
My eyes are brown
My belly is round
And I am proud
The umbilical cord has been cut
But there is still love
Flowing in my belly.