Let's Eat Cake

For years,
I told myself no,
No cake, no indulgence,
No softness, no joy
I withheld permission
And measured myself
By rigid lines drawn on the outside
Life became dry
Harrowing in its perfection,
Devoid of nectar
Devoid of ease,
But now,
I eat the cake
And life -
Oh, life -
Is sweeter, messier
Plump with possibility
Imperfect and creative
Juicy and alive
This is true life I have starved myself of
This is the joy
I am no longer afraid to taste

By Tanya Cameron