My body is an ecosystem

My body is an ecosystem

My body is an ecosystem

You do not need to scratch the surface to find me, 

my heart is on my sleeve.

You do not need to embrace me with the arms of consumerism,

bathe me in expensive perfumes,

Or cover me with synthetic fibres**,

I have no lust for the proliferation of man-made, 

in the name of fast fashion, 

I'm more impressed that you love the Earth, for me.

Me:

My surface beaming with inner joy, naturally,

Moles and freckles out there for all to see,

Hair in places others frown with pencilled lines upon, query,

Ecosystems in every pore,

Sure,

Delicate as a flower

Yet strong as strong can be,

Yes, Me.

Mightier with Nature be,

Ecologically, chemical-free,

Knock down the doors that banish thee,

From the norms of society,

Wash yes but not persistently,

Save water, yes, and energy,

Flush with pride, it's not insanitary 

To give your pee some company

Before it all goes out to sea

Treated, yes, oh definitely!

Aye and there's the rub,

The chemicals with which we treat

Our bodies to, in every shower*, every street

Form foaming waves of lifeless sludge

All washed up from our bleached white tubs.

Someone give the Gov a snub,

‘Cause we can't curb our love of scrub.

Nature gave us pores to breathe,

Skin not blocked is healthy, freed!

All hail the great unwashed! Take heed!

Our bodies - an ecosystem - indeed!

Scratch the surface of your need -

Micro-plastics?

Devil’s seed.

A Wensley 

16.06.2026

Title prompt provided by East Quay Open Mic, Watchet 

Performed at same on 17.06.2026

*I asked ‘Gemini’: “do shower gels contain micro-plastics”, the response:

Yes, some shower gels still contain microplastics. While solid plastic "microbeads" used for exfoliation are banned in regions like the UK, US, and EU, shower gels can still contain liquid, gel, or soluble synthetic polymers (like carbomer or polyquaternium) used as thickeners and stabilizers. However, stricter regulations—such as an upcoming EU ban on all intentionally added microplastics in rinse-off products—are forcing brands to phase them out completely.

**I asked ‘Gemini’: “do synthetic clothes contain micro-plastics?”, the response:

Yes, synthetic clothes (like polyester, nylon, and acrylic) are made of plastic and shed millions of microplastic fibers, especially when washed.