Skin I'M In Part One

Tough skinned -strong, take it and dish it out. Thin skinned - overly sensitive. Skin of our teeth - struggle for life, survival. Skin defines and designs us, the skin we’re in, through pain, color issues, death and life. Skin-If skin could talk. Fascinating story. Not just color of skin but skin which is our body fabric, the material that wraps our soul and our innermost parts silky, splashed with water, warmth, cologne, love and labor-skin. yes john heck this is prose but...the skin I'm in Part One Touch comes through skin and touch informs us of so much. The way people touch us tells us if they are comfortable with us and with themselves. It can be hostile, strident touch; rough, accusatory, disciplining, invasive or it can be sensual, exciting, invigorating, accepting, encouraging, loving, comforting. Skin Talk too frequent breakouts, rashes, allergies, sores, impetigo, suffered embarrassment, pain and shame. Scars! Coco butter for every nick and scrape. But my black knees and those scars embarrassing in swimsuits or shorts legs were scarred with black spots. Marvin Taylor called me leopard legs in fifth grade and fifty years later, I remember the sting, shame and pain of it. Campaigned against my scarred legs with scrubs and other potions until the spots began to fade and a sense of perspective... skin challenges, burns, rapid tissue growth that should disfigure -yet the elephant man walks with dignity and grace in his could be monster face severe acne in the face, severe psoriasis and yet their character and ways of dealing with these problems determine their real image, reflection and persona life is a gift that can not be determined by black spots on legs.