Don't Praise Me.... From Poems and Prose by Ann Marie Taylor



From Poems and Prose by Ann Marie Taylor

July 1993

 Don't Praise ME

Don't Praise me when I am hungry and skinny
Don't tell me what good care I take of myself when I don't eat
Don't tell me I'm "in shape" when I have none
Don't admire my bone structure when my ribs are showing

This is not Health; This is Neglect

I am Hungry in my soul as well as my body

Don't tell me how "attractive" I am
When I have no desire to pull you to me

Don't praise me for being "light and delicate"
but TELL ME when I am strong, sturdy and whole

Starvation isn't a sign of femininity
But of failure to BE

Don't praise me when
   my eyes are tired and hollow
   when I am dizzy and weak
    .... and my steps uncertain

This is illlness, not success

Don't blame me for being insecure
In a world where this crazy behavior gains rewards

Praise me when I am Full and Rounded and Loving
With energy and interest and ZEST for life

Not when I am an odd collection of angular bones

Praise me when I am soft and padded and able to keep warm
Praise me when I eat well and enjoy my sustainance
Praise me when I am fat for sexuality
Praise me when I radiate bright, sensual vivacity
When my eyes light up and I smile and glow

Praise me for my thoughts, my ideas my goals accomplished and inspiring

But not, not ever for something as inconsequential, as trivial as my weight

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