I am grateful that my body is the way it is

Even though I want some parts to change

There’s no form of your body to be perfect

I really am happy about my body

If people don’t like what they see that’s their problem

But the only thing that matters is that you love your body

Don’t let people’s words affect you

I know that my body is not perfect and I like the way my body is formed

I like the way my hands are and the way my legs are and my body

There’s no one form of body that is pretty or perfect

Be grateful that your body is formed

No matter what people say about your body, don’t let it affect you

Be glad about what you have

---

This poem is published in The Light in My World, a compilation of original poetry written by young people ages 5 – 12 who stayed with their families in housing at Solid Ground’s Broadview Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing for women and children. The young authors who contributed to The Light in My World are not identified by their real names, and some details have been changed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of them and their families. The authors retain copyrights on their individual works.