Talk To The Girl Inside

You have to talk to that girl inside.

She’s pushing against your skin,

sliding down pity party words,

begging you to rewind the clock.

When she stares through your eyes

she’s pointing out flaws,

damning gray hairs, parading

memories across your breasts.

Tell her the snap and pop in your bones

doesn't keep you from dancing,

the crow’s feet got there by laughing,

and your arms still reach to hug.

When she’s nagging about stretch marks,

point her toward daughters

you were blessed to birth from your womb.

Talk to that girl inside….

Tell her you won’t trade wisdom for vanity.

Tell her your sensible shoes know where to walk.

Tell her just because she speaks

doesn’t mean you have to listen.

Talk to that girl inside….

Tell her you don’t mind looking through old photo albums,

but you don’t plan to camp in its pages.

 ©Susie Clevenger 2017

Real Toads ~ The Tuesday Platform