Performed by Val Cole

Editor & Visual Design: Kaitlin Manalili

Produced by WILDsound

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POEM:

Fat.

Heavy.

Thick.

Chubby. Flabby.

Pudgy. Tubby. Chunky.

Healthy. Obese. Husky.

Plump. Portly. Beefy Meaty.

Fleshy. Blubbery. Rotund.

Paunchy. Stout.

Large.

Solid.

Gross.

Years spent dealing with words meant to define me by the look and shape of my body.

Childhood marred by terms that gradually became less endearing once adolescence passed.

Steer into the skid.

Laughter was acceptance. It was survival.

Fake it until you make it.

Show body confidence. Take my shirt off in public. Pool. Beach. Wherever acceptable.

Constantly glancing around to see who is looking.

No one is but the anxiety refuses to let me accept that.

I can't accept myself. My size. My shape.

Until You came. Until the day I held You against me.

Skin to skin.

My size. My warmth. Gave you comfort.

Dad bod. Cultivated for years.

My body for You Son.