Shaving by Amy Winkler

It’s habit

that I still shave

my legs.

It’s not optimism

anymore

that my husband and I

will have sex again.

Someday.

It’s a relic

that started in

the sixth grade

when I was shamed

in gym class

for having hairy

legs.

Shaving my legs

is more out of respect

for doctors and nurses

who must see my naked body

should I be injured

in a horrific car crash.

How did she die?

my husband will ask.

With an immaculately shaved pussy,

the doctor will reply.

What a goddamn waste.

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Amy Winkler has her M.Ed. from Xavier University. She lives in Cincinnati, OH, with her two sons. This is her first published work.Twitter: @amy_45227