They taught me to apologize

before I ever said a word.

To cross my legs,

shrink my voice,

hold in my breath

and my belly.

They told me I was too much—

before I ever learned

how much I actually am.

But let me tell you something:

This body?

This thick, soft, full-bodied thunderstorm?

It is not a mistake.

It is not a burden.

It is not a “before” photo

waiting for approval.

This body is the after.