How can poetry and the spoken word impact body image?
MRP: Any type of creative energy has the power to reach that space within ourselves with which we identify. Spoken word is a form of art that brings voice to poetry which otherwise would sit on the page waiting to be picked up by somebody. My poetry often touches on issues surrounding body image and over the years, many women have come to me simply to tell me how a certain poem has made them think about their own bodies and their own relationship with themselves. I personally use the spoken word art a tool of empowerment and a channel of hope. I know to so many poets, spoken word is also very cathartic. “I used to hate my body…..” one of my poems opens and the honesty of that opens a whole new chapter with your own body. (To see this piece, please visit youtube and look for a poem by the name of Testimony by Maria R. Palacios Sins Invalid 2008) JA: Why do you think that so many women have such a difficult time loving and accepting their bodies? MRP: We have been taught to hate our bo
