On nudity.

None are the same, but all share a simple commonality.

Why is it that so many of us feel so uncomfortable in our own skin?
It is one thing all humans have in common, the ability to become naked.
To undress oneself from the layers of fabric we use
for warmth, for expression, for the mere purpose of hiding the natural body.
It is the societal norm to be clothed.

The areola of a woman's n*****s are a forbidden terrain
only to be explored behind closed doors.
The genetalia of a man is to remain a flaccid warrior
only to be called to duty once the zippered seal has been broken.
But aside from sex,
Why is it that so few of us enjoy our naked bodies on a regular basis?

We undress, we shower, we redress.
Rinse and repeat.
It is time we all explore our own curves and slopes without scrutiny or judgement.
Take time to memorize every freckle, birthmark, and scar.
Love yourself for the amazing being you have transformed into.
Nourish and praise the spiritual vessel that is your body,
for it has endured a life that is entirely yours.

We use and abuse our bodies, our skin and bones,
yet most never truly take the time to accept them for what they have become.
Worship and indulge in the miracle that is your living flesh,
because we are only given one for each life we may live.

It is time to find comfort, happiness, and security in our bare nakedness.
It is time to celebrate our raw and pure form.

Author's Note

I highly recommend reading barleygirl's rebuttal to this piece, "In Defense of Self-Consciousness", for a different and striking perspective on the topic at hand http://www.writerscafe.org/barleygirl

Reviews

[r. f. jordan]

Dear Nirvana,

though i don't believe we've previously communicated, i hope all is well with you. judging from this excellent piece, you certainly seem to be in a place of physical and emotional wellness. i was communicating with another poet on this site, today, about how my love for poetry includes any piece that challenges pre-conceived notions. this piece does a beautiful job of just such a lofty aim. it is concise, extremely well organized. most importantly, to me as a reader, is this poem's message of positivity and acceptance rather than conflict, alienation, or pessimism. "flaccid warrior" is definitely my favorite stone in that jewelry store full of gems that this poem represents to me. thank you for sharing your obvious talent with this site.

[Nirvana]

Dear r.f.,

Thank you so much for your kind words! It's a beautiful thing when the pen gets carried away and what's produced can still be easily understood. We haven't spoken before, but I'm looking forward to finding some "gems" on your page :)

[B J Hughes]

It figures that phrase would be af favorite Barley! :oD OK! OK! Put the knife down! There's nothing left to cut off!!! :oD LOLOLOLOL!!!

[Penemy of Pignorance]

Amerrycountry, and Marricage, are the only understandable fiction in univearth written in pure portmanteau style, by me of course! plz check them out at [email protected] (email:[email protected])

[Penemy of Pignorance]

Please read my amazing short stories: Marricage, and the next one: Vol-au-vent, Soda, and Books. They are available at my weblog: penemyofpignorance.blogfa.com
Why not check out my unique fiction Amerrycountry, Autorabiography, which is praised by Eagleton, Greenblatt, and D. Damrosch on amazon.
(Zadmehr Torabi)

[Gee]

Until advertising agencies start to use"normal" men/women in magazines etc then those currently used are the shape,size that many aspire to be,but sadly due to lifestyle,natural body shape,genes,this ain't gonna happen.So shortcuts are now taken and cosmetic surgery is booming.Breast enlargement,breast reduction,tummy tucks,nose jobs,fillers,even fellas going for pec implants,unbelievable.And the list goes on and on.What also doesn't help is the attitude of previous generations, who as you have stated ,thought nudity only for the privacy of the bathroom,or to be shared only in the bedroom,lights off probably,with a life partner.Over the years I personally have found the most fun lovers have been the women most happy in their skin,no shyness just "this is me,take it or leave it"
A really interesting,well put across piece.

[Nirvana]

I could say that it's sad or slightly upsetting that people choose to alter the way that they look so drastically, but everyone has their own form of happiness. In all honesty, it is much easier to say what I have written than it is to do, but hopefully those struggling can find a bit of light in this piece. And yes, lovers who are unashamed of their natural form always add a beautiful spark to the mix ;) Thanks for the review!

[andrew mitchell]

A lovely profound piece to ponder on. I suppose it can be a security thing wearing clothes and women would know what men are thinking if it was all au naturale! lol A well spoken piece!:)

[Nirvana]

You know, I've always wondered how primal our sense of lust and passion would really be if we were exposed to something so regularly that it became the norm!

[Greg Agee]

Difficult subject, done very well. I thought your take on iy was unique an well thought. Sensual but not erotic, which I prefer. It flowed wonderfully. This is my favorite:
It is time we all explore our own curves and slopes without scrutiny or judgement.
Take time to memorize every freckle, birthmark, and scar.
Love yourself for the amazing being you have transformed into.
Nourish and praise the spiritual vessel that is your body,
for it has endured a life that is entirely yours.
I thought you did extremely well here, Thanks. I'll be looking for more.
Greg

[Nirvana]

Isn't it funny how oftentimes when the naked body is the subject most people assume it's smut? Thanks for reviewing and reading! I hope my future pieces will continue to please :)

[Greg Agee]

Its one of our major problems as a society that we make sex dirty. It creates exactly what its meany to hate. Sad, I could write a novel on the subject. Then they would burn me at the stake.

[??????]

You have placed your words in a light I guess some have thought many times. I can see one looking at there self saying many things , am I to fat am I to skinny, Why can't one just say this is me and be proud. For a young lady to write these words sets a pose to other ladies. I seen so many women speak about I am not pretty enough or use makeup when without the true beauty shows even more. For a man to say that it just goes in one ear and out the other. But what you speak can change minds of the whole not just the part. Amazing work:)

[Nirvana]

Thank you so much, I really do hope that thoughts like this piece here can help those who are struggling with issues of image in some small way. We are constantly bombarded by portrayals of perfection, when in reality most are perfect in the way we have evolved as individuals. Thank you!

[??????]

Your very welcome and I am sure they will:)

[AYVID N]

You have given me something to think about. Thanks for a new and different thought today...

[Nirvana]

I hope you had good thoughts this day! Thanks for reading!

[Lydia Shutter]

It is true, most people (especially women) are not happy with the way their naked body looks. The truth is that every stretch mark, wrinkle, or bit of cellulite tells a story....a story that belongs to the one living in that skin. I like the empowerment in your words. Lydi**

[Nirvana]

Empowerment is exactly what I was aiming for! We have all had our battles in life but it is important to love yourself first for the miracle that you are! Thank you Lydi :)

[Davidgeo]

Just trim the hedge, no one needs to see the full hair pie.

Barleygirl's rebuttal had a tinge of confused shame to it. Not surprised, that women trades in generic emotion exclusively. She probably has no idea what she feels like naturally. She's manufactured.

It's wasn't bad but I see some people overrating this because you have a pretty profile pic face and your talking about vaginas penis and nudity. Just keep that in mind when evaluating yourself for this particular poem. B+/A-

[Nirvana]

Although I love some good criticism, I'm sorry to say that yours was neither constructive nor original. I like to think that this isn't just another social media site to be rated on looks, and that those reading my work are a little more mature than to simply do backflips over a couple c***s and c***s tossed into the mix. I enjoyed barleygirl's take on the subject as a uniquely different perspective/experience, hence why I suggested it. However, if you have some suggestions as to how you'd spice this piece up a bit, then I'd love to hear them! Thanks for reviewing.

[Davidgeo]

I bet you do honey.

[Bare trees]

Not in the winter time I ain't. lol

[Nirvana]

Haha to each their own of course!

[Inject Positivity]

I can assure you that less than 5 people in 1million could have thought like that.....This is just an amazing thought, the way you have pulled out a message and a question mark on our daily habit of living wearing artificial skin is mind blowing deeply thought provoking....Most of us feel shame on our nudity, people hate seeing their naked bodies even being alone in their rooms....Loved the way you used both male and female body parts to convey the true meaning of your 'message poetry'....Some of the lines and the metaphors for human body parts are outstanding.....Wonderfully done, i need to watch out on your thoughts cause your thoughts are truly something special dear poetess.....100 ratings.....

[Charlotta Yvonne Smith]

Hehe..funny because I'm sort of a nudist. I think that it is just being our natural selves when we are nude. Not all the time being nude means something sexual. I love this poem though!