and my skin is sagging. My hair
is greying and my belly’s
hanging. My passport is covered in
dust. I don’t have no money so

ain’t no trust. I go about my
business every day, putting in
the same hours. But not once
empowered. Men cutting me up

like I’m the salami in their deli
sandwich. Should I join the army? I’m up
four in the morning without a bugle
just to take notes and doodle. Put on skimpy

underwear and wigs that cover
my fried hair. Parade around with my
hand stroking the strands of my ***** –
not my black cat, like myself is loud and pushy.