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My Body Lies By Charlotte Wald Copyright 2000 Charlotte Wald

A poem about Charlotte's body and spirit being at odds.

Who is that in my body? Is it the freckle-faced kid With curly red hair Playing hopscotch on the sidewalks of the Bronx?   Is it the gawky teenager Sprouting breasts and acting grown up Flirting with the boys At Orchard Beach?   And how about that college girl Ready to claim her niche in the world? Full of piss and vinegar And letting everyone know it.   Then there was the wife, the mother, now grandmother Who lived in this body suit Changing with the years Losing the battle with gravity.   But this in not my body No, not one of my choosing This one is old and sagging Skin wrinkled, teeth missing.   My body has deserted me. It is my spirit I claim Still full of wonder and awe Still full of piss and vinegar.   So when I pass a mirror And frown at this body I see It is my spirit That smiles back at me.