by Bine Domnick
I am a girl
I am a woman
I am in charge of bearing the children
I am to please
Not tease
For my body was made to be played
like a symphony
I am a student
I am a robot
I am seeking, thriving, dying most days
I am in competition they say
Always have straight A’s
For I was bitch slapped if it was any other way
Fighting for a job I would most likely hate
Collecting data for a company I didn’t make
I am a daughter
I am a cook
I am clean
For I was taught that a man likes things to be pristine
So that he would never leave
I learned the colors black and blue
before that time was due
I am brown
I am marshallese
I am the face of my culture
Every move is evaluated, manipulated
So it can be effectuated in certain times
To clench my teeth and smile at sexist jokes
And bat an eye at the racist bloke
I am an immigrant
I have seen them all
But experienced none
I would be what you call a wandering nun
Oops pardon me for I have let you see
Now you can judge me
I am all these things
But why must they define me
Bursting through the bubble of truth
Waiting to see what becomes of me
Judging minds;
And wondering eyes made me wish to die
Or else live in another lifetime
Although I may never find some truth
Till next time
I bid ado.
