Emotionally Fat

I am tired of sucking in the gut
of my need and fear,
binding my heartaches close to my chest,
squeezing my sadness into skinny jeans.
 
I am emotionally fat.
I have rolls of grief around my stomach,
thighs thick with worry, a double chin of anxiety.
I will never be as thin as what I want them to see.
 
But I have rolls of joy
and arms plump with empathy.
My breasts are massive with love and desire.
I won’t shrink all this to fit their fashions.
 
If you want to be with me,
know this: there is nothing small
or pert about my feelings.
Be prepared for mass and bulk.
 
When I’m hurt, I lean hard,
but when I’m well, let me tell you:
my embrace is magnificent. I wrap your whole self
with my kaleidoscope heart.

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