I stand here naked before you
stripped of all the societal trappings of femininity
unbounded by stockings and girdles and bras
I stand here naked before you
my breasts heavy with knowledge and experience
my hips and belly soft and pliable stretched with burdens of motherhood
I stand here naked before you
aware at the unconventional nature of my flesh
cognizant of the stories life has carved into my body
I stand here naked before you
wondering with trepidation about what you think
I stand here naked before you
vulnerable and self-conscious
confident and self-aware
I stand here naked before you
and wonder
what the hell is taking you so long.