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This Body

An Ode

By Raistlin AllenPublished 9 months ago Updated 9 months ago 1 min read
Top Story - May 2025
This Body
Photo by Lucas Lenzi on Unsplash

This body

has crossed oceans of raging waters

has been lost in storms at sea.

Its possibilities are endless;

its power is still surprising me.

.

Is there any blessing so automatic, so unconditional,

as the next breath?

My body continues to fight for me, even when my mind is courting death.

it is a rebel to its bones; it goes on even when I want to give up.

it is the half-broke chariot in which I pull ahead, cross the finish line of dreams, and hold aloft the cup.

.

This ink that marks my flesh is a map of places I've been,

whether on the globe or the tapestry of my mind,

showcasing a lot of what I love and some

of what I’ve had to leave behind.

.

Some will look at my palette and complain in hate,

but it takes personal touches to make a house a home-

why not settle in and decorate?

This flesh is the place I'll one day end,

and the place, each time I wake, I start;

.

if this body is a temple, then its walls deserve some art.

artGratitudeinspirationalMental HealthOde

About the Creator

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Comments (9)

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  • Cathy holmes9 months ago

    This is wonderful. Love the finish! Congrats on the TS.

  • Naeem Mridha9 months ago

    Hmmm

  • Logan Bennett9 months ago

    Every touch is a work of art.

  • Tim Carmichael9 months ago

    It speaks with such honesty about struggle, survival, and self-acceptance. I love how the body is portrayed not as something to fix, but as something to honor—flawed, scarred, decorated, and still fighting. Congratulations on your top story!

  • NickJ9 months ago

    Every touch is a work of art.

  • Hashim Khosa9 months ago

    please subscribe me back

  • Sean A.9 months ago

    Love the main line, but the half broke chariot is a great image, too. And “settle in and decorate” I’m too wish washy to get my own, but this is a lovely ode to those that can make that decision

  • Euan Brennan9 months ago

    Absolutely love it! That last line is such a good comeback to the people who are against tattoos and jewellery. Very nicely done as always, Raistlin. Good luck in the challenge!

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