My legs look their thinnest
in the mirrored windows
of the Bed Bath and Beyond loading dock
on W 65th. Employees only,
I smile and say good morning
to the men smoking their cigarettes out back.
Every morning I admire them, my legs,
cascading over the pavement,
the 65% of my body that every fling
or boyfriend of my past has told me
is my greatest attribute.
I saw a girl with long legs and blonde hair
on the beach and she reminded me of you.
The same legs that have urged teachers
to pull me aside and inform me,
that skirt is too short to facilitate
a positive learning environment.
I would make my wingspan smaller and argue
those skirts passed the 3 finger test.
These legs are good for more than just looks, though -
They are strong and toned and prepared
to run from an attacker, to bike a Pan-Mass Challenge,
or run a New York City marathon.
But for now, they have a simpler task - to hold me up,
in heels that accentuate their longevity,
for me to stare at and admire in store windows
on my morning walk to work.
-- Lily Bowen
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