Summary

"This Body" is a poem that reflects on the importance of kindness and power in the face of adversity and fear, advocating for the inherent worth of all beings and the sanctity of our own existence.

Abstract

The poem "This Body" by RBGraham is a poignant meditation on the human condition, emphasizing the need for kindness in times of darkness and for power when faced with fear and opposition. It speaks to the resilience required to maintain one's light in the presence of those who wish to extinguish it. The author expresses a desire to be kind and powerful, not as opposites but as complementary forces, especially when witnessing attempts to diminish the worth of others. The poem also touches on the personal journey of self-acceptance and the recognition of one's own body and spirit as revolutionary and deserving of love. It concludes with a universal call to see oneself and all bodies as sacred, suggesting that this realization is a whisper from the universe, urging us towards a collective reverence for life.

Opinions

The poem conveys a strong belief in the intrinsic value of every individual, advocating for kindness and empathy in the face of life's challenges.
Power is not seen as antithetical to kindness but rather as something that can be wielded with compassion and connection.
The author emphasizes the importance of self-love and the revolutionary act of embracing one's own identity and presence.
There is an underlying message that societal judgment and fear should not overshadow the inherent worth and beauty of our existence.
The poem suggests that there is a divine or universal call to recognize the sanctity of all beings, implying a spiritual or philosophical dimension to the act of self and collective appreciation.
The use of the personal pronoun "I" throughout the poem reflects a personal commitment to these values, while the broader implications invite the reader to share in this perspective.

This Body

a poem of love for all beings

Image by Rene Treece Roberts with Luxe House Photographic

may I be kind

when all seems lost and

darkness closes over my just

opened eyes

may I be powerful

when fear is the only

language spoken by those who

surround the light –

when others attempt to tamp down

the fire, to deny

the inherent worth of

the sister, the brother,

when the walk is through

this dreaded day of

mourning,

may I be kind

may I be powerful

hear me, hear this heart

power is not the

opposite of

kindness —

power is forged in

connection

may I remember in

the midst of

judgment of scarcity of

fear overwhelming,

this shape is my own,

this endless

velvet skin is my own,

this mind body spirit is

revolutionary because it is

mine, because it is

here now,

grounded in presence,

forged in love

in this desperate hour as

I pray I hear a gentle

voice whispering, listen,

even now

the universe is asking,

how

long

before you make of

yourself

beloved? how long

before you make

all bodies

sacred?

this body

Enjoy my work on Medium? Click here to join Medium with my referral link. Want to read more? Try this poem of mine also on Medium. Thank you, Rene for the beautiful image.