Did you think it was funny to police femininity? Was impressing the guys worth stripping your humanity? You saw her face and snickered, then gripped your friend’s shoulder To lean closer & whisper – Look at her! Do you see her Mustache! It’s not a whisper if you meant for her to hear. Her face remained measured, but blood rushed to her head. Her eyes couldn’t be read, but hot tears hid behind her glare because she wouldn’t dare Give them the reward that she cared. Once she got home, she looked at her face with suspicion Then next to a comb, she eyed mom’s Nair cream potion. She snatched the tube, grabbed a tissue, unscrewed the top, but then withdrew. It was brand-new - Her mom would know she broke through. But one look in the mirror cleared her vision. She didn’t care for permission, she had a mission. She cut into the seal, pushed the cream through, Then read the instructions to completion. Nair said 3-5 minutes but she left it for seven, Already knowing it hadn’t been written for brown women. She said beauty is pain, femininity is pain, But it’s better than shame for veering off their lane. But as she grew older, she channeled hurt into anger Because anger fuels change and ignites belief in better. So when you cry that you can’t cry, from your throne of patriarchy Then turn around and blame womxn for being “too angry” Don’t forget the girl you teased in 8th grade PE, Who’s still reliving & unlearning your bully. If you think it’s funny to police femininity
To invade her energy with your insecurity of a masculinity that reeks of toxicity, we’ll get you away from our reality.
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About MeMy name is Samirah Shri. I write poetry especially for "bad" Asian daughters, but also for anyone who feels rejected within their communities. My poems guide you along my personal journey of rejection, healing, and ultimately re-connection. |