My Knees

Jen Reinking

My knees scream my story:

tomboy

runner

cuts and bruises

scars that resemble chewed-up bubble gum

the occasional stray hair my razor has chosen to ignore

I used to envy the other girls:

princesses

debutantes

perfection and poise

legs as smooth as cool whip

the color of honey after glistening in artificial sun

Now I am glad to have lived:

falling down rocky crags

beating up boys

tendonitis and scars of childhood joy

the envy of both queen and cover girl alike

signs of a fulfilling existence carved over time