Passing Privilege

by Jenna DeWitt (Twitter, WordPress)

I put it on everyday

I put it on everyday 

Embroidered in my jeans

At the waistline

Reminding me to pretend

.

I cut my hair

The way I like

A little bit dangerous

Just below my chin

.

The flannel shirts are cute

with their plaid

The black ring 

On the middle 

Of my right hand

The casual style

Of the way I say 

I’m not interested

When asked about boys

And dating and clocks and dresses

.

Of white lace and picket fence

And freedom surrendered

Willingly captive

To covenants and coordinated schedules

Weekends away, two between sheets, kisses

And can you pick up something for me at the store

.

It isn’t that I think I’m better

Or that I condescend on the world

It isn’t a judgment or threat or cry for attention

Or the need to be unique

.

Though everyone needs to be told that they matter

To someone, and there’s nothing wrong

With needing to be loved

In a way that I was made to be loved

.

Not by a date or partner or spouse 

There are other ways than being 

Attracted 

To someone

In a sexual or romantic way

.

But you do not know this

And neither do they

So I zip up my jeans

And pretend to be

Passing