Here 
in this moment
(as it fades 
and shimmers)
I can feel it
growing
within
buried deep
and forgotten,
beginning
as a mere feeling.

It grows
from a glance:
tracing features,
forgetting flaws,
uncovering
beauty,
in this
skin like silk,
(pale, translucent)
in this
hair falling in waves,
(soft, touchable)
in these
eyes seeking depth,
(sparkling blue)
in this shell--
this body of mine.

And in this moment
I can 
honestly say
"I am beautiful".

(I love the
gently undulating line
of my hips;
I love the angles
of my bones;
the soft curve
of my lips;
I love the sadows
that settle
on my shoulders,
pooling on skin;
I love the arch
of my back,
the graceful line
of my neck;
I love these
slender, long 
fingers
and delicate, shy
toes;
I love me.)

But I know
that tomorrow
may reveal another side,
a newfound
self-loathing.

I must soak up
this beauty
while I can.

Here in this
moment.