The Body Never Lies

The tightness in my jaw

from holding

back tears

of sorrow.

The rise in my shoulders

lifted by

societal

tension.

The upset in my stomach

when reading

my cousin’s

racial slurs.

The thickness of my tongue

when I am out

of words but still

have something that must be said.

The twitch in my legs

when I am sitting

still and would

rather act.

So much I can choose to ignore.

So much I could choose to do differently.

Listen.

Listen to my body.

Listen to the cries.

Honor.

Honor what my body needs.

Honor the experiences of my sisters and brothers.

Love.

Love my body enough to heal.

Love others enough to change.