CHERISH HODGE

MY BODY

When I was nothing more than a nineteen year old girl, I thought my body was at its best when in the middle of a war machine, when helping to build and create the structure that would deny others the access to health, safety, family, happiness and love. This is only a minute synopsis of the body moving through military time and space.

Fast forward several years and we are at the good part.

Now my frame has not only made, but cradled life within it. My hands are no longer dirty. I use them to steady my son while he sleeps on my lap, occasionally picking up his tiny, pudgy, delicate, gentle little perfect hand. I wonder at times what his beauty will be forced to do. I no longer hate or help to take life. I welcome, enjoy and do truly whatever it takes - even if it takes speaking truth - to protect life. This is something the military, war and public opinion has tried to take away from us all, but I stole it back - my divine right as a human and as a woman.

I stole it back.

MORE CREATIVE WRITING: Page 2 | Page 3

CHERISH HODGE