Ode to Chubby Cheeks

even when it’s hard

Globes of dough
where not even dimples show.

Chipmunk fat
that kind of jiggles in chat.

Sagging skin
weighing shame around my chin.

I wish you were gone,
I wish we were through.

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But when my sister squishes
my matching marshmallow frames

when carved jawlines,
and sharp cheekbones,
don’t slice open my mind,

I kind of like my chubby cheeks.

Cushions to my smiles,
bunched up dumplings when I laugh,
warmth for my teeth to suck when I’m nervous,
round like blossoms and
sweet like apples.

Maybe they won’t pull me down,
but float me higher,
buoyant as blown-up balloons,

Here’s to chubby cheeks,
for all that they are,
and not a moment less.