Rishell Graves

commented on Breast Cancer Survivor Becomes Drawing Class Model 2013-12-01 12:27:39 -0700 · Flag
I am so thrilled that you published my poem here. I hope it will be an inspiration to others.

commented on Submit Your Story 2013-09-07 06:21:27 -0700
After surviving breast cancer, I decided to celebrate my body by modeling for a life drawing class. The following poem is one I wrote about that experience.


The Model


This is not the body

Of a young model,

Tight and defined.


You may have to look

Beneath the surface

To find the lines of muscle.


But this is my gift to give-

To stand before you

With no shame.

To share this body

That has been given

A second chance.


I carry the weight of years,

Childbirth, cancer,

Lessons from life.


And the scars you cannot see,

Deep inside,

Continue to heal.

This offering

Is a part of that healing.


So draw me as you see me,

Imperfect,

But whole.


I have been to the edge

And back again,

And I have nothing

Left to hide.


-Rishell Graves

Let Your Voice Be Heard

Now Accepting Stories From Women (Not Just Mothers) About Your Bodies From Around The World Of Any Race, Any Ethnicity, Any Sexual Orientation, Any Age!

Women and mothers have the most amazing, difficult, passionate, and inspiring stories to tell about their bodies, their tiger stripes, battles with cancer & illness, stretch marks, sexual abuse or their thinning out, their gaining weight, their breast-feeding, their miscarriages and beyond. So many stories swirl around these bodies of ours and sharing our stories is the best way to empower ourselves, to realize we are not alone, to help others embrace their own bodies.

Silence keeps our voices and our beautiful selves unheard. By telling your story maybe you help another woman feel strong enough to tell hers.

Take Your Time! Compose your thoughts. There is no rush. Take notes. Maybe write an outline of your memories, thoughts, & feelings. Then, sit down, and write your story!

Here are some questions that can guide your story but by no means are these required guidelines:

  • How do you feel about your body?
  • What story or stories have you been carrying with you?
  • Was there a specific moment that defined your story or is it layered over time? Explain.
  • What hopes and dreams do you have for future generations of women?
  • What has helped your progress to feel beautiful & cultivate self-esteem?
  • Do you have marks from child-birth and what story do those represent for you?
  • Have you been keeping anything inside that you wish you could finally get out?
  • Have you been able to improve how you feel about yourself and if so, how?
  • Did you struggle to get pregnant? Did you have a miscarriage? Did you ever lose a child?
  • Did you ever have to abort a pregnancy?
  • What is your story about your body?
  • What would you like to be different in how you view your story and your body?


commented on “I Asked My Daughter Am I Beautiful?” Kath’s Poem 2013-09-07 06:20:58 -0700 · Flag
Being in my 50’s, and having raised two daughters, this poem really resonates with me.