Image source: https://lovinglifeonearth.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/woman-in-forest-with-white-dress.jpg
They say your body and mind are a temple
That you should keep covered and untouched
And if you were to be human
Then you’re no longer good enough
They say to treat your body like a place of worship
Hold it in the highest regard
Keep the temple doors closed
Until your husband comes calling from afar
But I say screw all that
My body and mind are a forest, spectacular and vivid
Every bit of experience gives me life
Whether it makes me happy or livid
A temple can be destroyed
Desecrated beyond repair
A forest can only grow back stronger
With strong tree trunks and vines to hold ensnared
Your heart and your mind
In your own form of hug as you repair
Because you cannot go through life as a human
Without becoming a mess
No matter how hard you guard your temple
You’ll still end up undressed
Undressed from the mind down
Undressed from your soul
Undressed as you grow in wisdom
And as you grow old
Undressed in every sense of the word
And hurt many a time as well.
So, my body and mind are a forest
Ever-growing, alive and well.
For the temple may be destroyed
But the forest will continue to dwell.
E. Lexi Abbott 