Darn You Skinny Legs and Thighs!
- (a little ditty I wrote based on somewhat actual events) 😉
By Sherry Taveras
I went to a beach party the other day and laid my blanket on the sand.
I laid out my book and journal and sat.
Then, in my view, many walked by—skinny legs and thighs.
I surprised myself as I stared and stared at these skinny legs and thighs.
Some were long and lean.
Some firm and strong. They did not hide them as I did in my safe coverall.
I felt ashamed of my dimples and loose skin, from years of giving birth and raising kids.
I slipped down into my little chair and put my sunglasses on as I quietly stared— at all the skinny legs and thighs.
I remembered my days when mine were like those—young and free..seems so long ago.
When I had firm calves and thighs, wearing shorts without a care, walking barefoot, legs laid bare.
Darn you, skinny legs and thighs, for reminding me of days gone by.
When I was youthful and carefree, wearing skirts and shorts above my knees.
Dancing and laughing merrily.
Never knowing that one day I would lay here in shame, staring at these skinny legs and thighs-as they walked by.
Skipping and running, playing free, not caring very much, unlike me.
Then another walked by me, legs and thighs fully free—
Someone shaped more like me, with dimples and stretch marks showing proudly as she laid her blanket next to me.
She sat in her chair, no cover on, letting her body breathe in the sun.
She glanced at me and shared a smile, inviting me to do the same.
Releasing all that guilt and shame.
Reminding me I've paid my dues, I've earned my wings to proudly show my dimplelings.
In that moment, I took the gift and slowly removed my coverall, showing all my dents and flaws.
I took my journal in my hand and crossed my bare legs, thighs, and calves.
Exposing them most humbly, embracing gratefully what God gave me.
I took a breath and exhaled relief, looking at my new friend next to me; we shared a wink as I sighed, loving our beautiful—not-so-skinny legs and thighs.
Sherry Taveras ©️
