Kralahome

I was a large teen.
Embarrassed by my gut, rolls and double chin.
I hid behind baggy clothes,
volume, bluster, and aggression.
I was forced to confront
my low self image
when presented with my costume
for The King and I's Kralahome-
a skirt.
Held up not by a belt
but by the protrusion of my belly.
At the time
I didn't even swim without a shirt
so a bottom-only outfit
left me angry and exposed.
After lashing out
at my director
and costume designer
who were stunned by my vehemence
and tears
I took the shame between my teeth
and truculently acquiesced
to the fearsome garb.

An adolescent challenge
I over came with almost no grace
but a modicum of courage.