The Model

This is not the body

Of a young model,

Tight and defined.

You may have to look

Beneath the surface

To find the lines of muscle.

But this is my gift to give—

To stand before you

With no shame.

To share this body

That has been given

A second chance.

I carry the weight of years,

Childbirth, cancer,

Lessons from life.

And the scars you cannot see,

Deep inside,

Continue to heal.

This offering

Is a part of that healing.

So draw me as you see me,

Imperfect,

But whole.

I have been to the edge

And back again,

And I have nothing

Left to hide.

Rishell Graves is a musician/writer who lives in White Salmon. After years of being a wife and mother, she is on a journey of self-renewal, living each day as a gift. She writes to heal herself and others.