Wednesday Poems: Selections from Freemartin

A trio to taste

The story of these poems: they lead off my chapbook-in-progress, Freemartin, which features a shift from my earlier sonnet work into free verse. In this chapbook, I’m working to process events I didn’t feel comfortable talking about in previous releases. Stay tuned for more info later this year.

(No videos for this post; I’m in the process of moving and all my recording equipment is packed away. You’ll see me with a new background in the next post!)

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Suggested background music: “Black Swan Event” by The Lizzy Co Show

THINGS I'VE BEEN TOLD TO DO ONLY BY OTHER WOMEN, NEVER BY MEN 

Bear children,
Wear a bra,
Pierce my ears,
Plant gardens,

Shave my pubes,
Tear out my pit hair,
Melt off my leg stubble,
(Deny the puberty,)

Go to the gym,
Love Sephora,
Suck it in,
Shimmy for the boys,

Hold in tears for the makeup,
Appease the hateful mother who keeps you trying,
Date a man who’s too rough,
Apologize for crying,
 
Talk about my feelings,
Teeter on stilettos,
Build my brand,
Work when I need rest,

Have a skin care routine,
Form an opinion on the Master Cleanse,
Put on the uniform,
Perfect the high kicks,

Get in line, and
Be part of the group.