by Grace Rabi

White Lines

These white lines that permeate through her thighs 

Like a tributary gathering northwards at the source 

They span the hips where love’s grips lay comfortable but frowned upon 

Follow the blanched veins to the stomach where many stories are inscribed 

Of motherhood, of illness, of sadness, of poverty 

Of contentment, of privilege 

Undulating shapes create waves for these channels 

The ebb and flow of womanhood 

They tell a history 

Her story 

Like the elastin in her skin, she has grown big and small, been bigged up and shrunken down 

These white lines 

Like remnants of what has been absorbed and digested 

Like the residue of what has been filtered out 

Resembling chains of what cannot be released 

Testimony to constant rebuilding 

A protective caul that withstands 

These white lines 

Markings of strength 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Grace Rabi (she/her) is a teacher of English and has been so for fifteen years. Travelling is her favourite pastime, having visited over twenty-five countries with her husband. She enjoys writing, particularly poetry and flash fiction. She is an avid consumer of pop culture and enjoys watching a variety of film genres. Grace has also been teaching herself guitar and banjo. She was raised in Canada but currently resides in Ireland. 

© 2024 DREXEL PUBLISHING GROUP 
All Rights Reserved

3141 Chestnut St.
Philadelphia PA 19104