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