her arms give a little jiggle
her belly gives a little bounce
with her own voice she takes up space
and learns, over time, to announce
that her dance is her own
and with her voice both low and sweet
mud slowly layers on her bare dancing feet
sometimes her hair is long or short
sometimes it’s oak or gold
sometimes her lashes are long or added
and sometimes she’s different down below
but no matter how much or less you jiggle
no matter how loudly you sing your song
your presence
it’s always welcomed here
so cast your own spell and stand strong
you are WOMAN
— E. Lexi Abbott
E. Lexi Abbott 