Softness
Written by Helen Rose
November 29, 2018

***

Where my hips used to jut out
Where my ribs
Formed hills and vales
And my cheeks were hollow –
There is softness now.

Where my heart used to be bitter
Full of angst
Pain
And regret –
There is softness now.

Where my voice used to quiver
And my hands used to shake
Where my joy was hollow
And my laughter fake –
There is softness now

Where my soul used to be weary
Beaten by the storm
Shivering in the cold
And aching in exhaustion –
There is softness now.

Where my plans used to be
Concrete
Incontestable
And infallible –
There is softness now.

Where my whole body once swelled
In anticipation,
Where my taut muscles
Learned to yield –
There is softness now

And the entire universe
Is so much better for it.