Poem & Photos by Emily Matin
Shame
i am unworthy
there is something wrong with me
for letting it happen
for not telling sooner
for loving her like a sister
despite what she did
for being scared to trust
Shame
there is something wrong
with these breasts
that grew out of this chest
for feeling what they felt
with her
when I was still a child
when it was all wrong
Shame
i should hide them away
these breasts
hunch my shoulders
because
i am unworthy
Shame
it is not mine to carry
anymore
i didn’t give it to myself
she gave it to me
and I give it back to her
Healing
i am worthy
of love and pleasure
and gentleness
i am not wrong for being
Healing
these breasts and this body
are beautiful and strong
it was not my fault
Healing
i want the child to know
that there is a time to be held
when it feels gentle, right and true
when there is no shame in the body’s desire
Healing
i want the child to know
that it’s truly time
to let the shame go
because it’s not hers to carry anymore
Healing
i want the child to know
that now she’s safe
And what’s mine to carry
is self-love, kindness and compassion
strength, courage and authenticity
and the right to hold tightly in my heart
the simple sweetness of life
