Body Image Poetry & Prompts

Inspired by Author Robin Wall Kimmerer

Body generosity

Looking through the weeds

Hands and back strong to plant the asters.

Legs carrying me to water the goldenrods

The oak leaf and evergreens.

Such a gift

While my body belongs to me

The bees don’t. The birds don’t.

May this body be so generous to them

Such a gift.

Birthday wish

What if you could see

This other version of me

Not sick, more fat, more free.

Could we see it in reverse

What you think is less control

And letting myself go

Is indeed me adjusting the sails of this old boat.

Inspired by Poet Andrea Gibson

Things (about my body) that don’t suck

My feet tapping at a concert/Thick legs running to a good song/Swimming in swimming holes in the woods/The freckles that show proof I had fun in the sun/The wrinkles that show every laugh or concern for the world/A full belly after eating a good meal/Carrying things-whatever it is-emotionally or physically like the warrior I am

Body Image Prompts (pick what speaks to you):

1. Like my last poem, can you write about what does not suck about your body? Think about how it is functioning (not what it looks like). If it is not functioning the way you want it to, could you write about how you would send those parts of your body compassion, care, and comfort?

2. If you are a chronic dieter, can you write to your diets about what they have taken from you (i.e. your time, fun, social events)?

3. Write (and/or draw) about yourself like you are the protagonist in a story-a superhero if you will-except you are describing your positive personality characteristics, not how you look.

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Good Climate News

Make room for positive climate news to combat feelings of climate anxiety.

• $300 million in federal funding for Indigenous-led conservation in the Northwest Territories arrives. The deal, which involves 21 Indigenous nations in the territory, will protect 380,000 square kilometers of land and water — more than two percent of Canada’s land-mass. Read more here!

• New York becomes first state to commit to all-electric new buildings. The state finalized rules ensuring most new edifices will install electric heat pumps and stoves instead of gas appliances, lowering costs and improving air quality. Read more here!

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