They called Aphrodite beautiful

but left out the belly.

Left out the hips.

Left out the stretch of skin

where love actually lives.

You think Venus rose from the sea

wearing a size 2?

You think Oshun didn’t laugh

with her whole belly

and bless the rivers

with hips that made kingdoms fall?

You don’t know goddesses

until you’ve seen one eat.

I am not some softened-down version

of sacred.

I am not holy only in the right lighting.

I am thighs that part like scripture.