Cosy Sheridan gave an assignment to our class at the Swannanoa Gathering where I studied songwriting with her. We were to write a verse/chorus about a body part of our own that we either loved or detested. This is what came up for me!

BONY SHOULDERS © Bett Padgett 

My mother was well rounded. She wanted to be thin.
Back then it was so chic to have some padding on the end.
No spread around Dad’s middle. At sixty he looked ‘hot!’
I loved my dad and his handsome build, but this is what I got.

            Bony shoulders, not the kind that I adore.
            I’ve got bony shoulders. I’d like to trade them in and get some more!

I’ve never been quite happy with my size or my physique.
I’m shaped like an umbrella, or a penguin with no beak.
Soft arms are what I’ve longed for, so lady-like they seem
But spaghetti straps and low-cut gowns, just weren’t meant for me!

            I’ve got bony shoulders, not the kind that I adore.
            Bony shoulders, I’d like to trade them in and get some more!

My son would not stop crying. I held him to my breast.
His tiny body trembling, he finally caught his breath.
My shoulders, though still bony have softened through the years.
Rejoicing so much laughter, absorbing many tears.

            I’ve got bony shoulders, just the kind that I adore.
            I’ve got bony shoulders, now I wish that I had four!