Attached is a link to Lili’s website 

Lili!

I was so impressed upon reading your creative poem. I was amazed to see how your words possess such an intimacy which sensitively encapsulate the feelings of girls as they struggle to love themselves. I admire your courage to personally reflect and write about such a topic that  is often a struggle to even talk about. I particularly like your reference to God being of female nature. I believe doing so allows your poem to become more relatable and by using the female God as a metaphorical greater force,  emphasises the need for women to love themselves. Your reoccurring reference to the ocean again adds another layer to your poem, as the body is likened to the beauty and stature of the sea. This reference furthermore highlights the endless beauty that it is to be a woman.

I am personally related to this line, “The sea gets deeper, the thoughts grow louder, but you also get stronger” as I believe you cannot become a strong women without having experienced the adversity of the sea. In other words, learning to love yourself is a huge milestone which is generally only achieved after the negative thoughts and societal expectations have been tuned out.

However my favourite line in your poem is the last one,

“I love the sound of vulnerability reminding me that

If winter has the courage to turn into spring, who says I can’t bloom just the same?”

 This line gives readers a sense of comfort and permission to love themselves which is often overseen within society today. It is typical that women are not   told they are allowed to love themselves and I admire how your last line is giving permission and acceptance on this important issue.

I could not attempt to edit this work as it has blown me away with your generous understanding and capability to write such a beautiful poem.

I cannot wait to read your next poem,

Huge congratulations, well done Lili!