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Bearded lady
A pretty face makes a difference
When I call out for help
When my mind is too dark
To travel through
It falls on deaf ears
And my arms left outreached and empty
I am brought to my knees by the inadequacy
Of myself because
I am not the picture of femininity
A Dyke is what they call me
And societies pressures they bestow on my shoulders
That are too broad for a woman
I don’t quite understand
How we got here
Where an outward appearance
Can dictate and facilitate a radical idea
Or Phobia if you will
They hurl their slurs at me
As if it’s all a big joke
And if my ears get too red
Or my throat catches
I am too sensitive
I have to learn what a sense of humor is
I guess I just don’t see where the word
Faggot is funny
Or how my sexual preference
Makes me your scapegoat
For your internalized homophobia
Constantly searching for a safe space to lay my head
Just butch enough to be one of the boys
But female enough to harassed
Every single line crossed
And not one single helping hand
Because I’m supposed to be okay with this
I am supposed to accept my role here
The side show at the carnival
That everyone wants to laugh at
But no one wants to feed
Just call me the bearded lady
Since you can’t decide what I am today
Because apparently gay and a human being
Aren't allowed in the same sentence anymore
Style / type:
Free verse
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
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Comments
Lavender
Wed, 2022-08-10 09:40
Bearded Lady
Hello, Alice,
I felt each word. Thank goodness you have your powerful poetry to express all of this. I wish you continued courage and peace.
Lavender
Geezer
Wed, 2022-08-10 10:15
There is nothing funny...
about feeling as though you are an outcast or freak. I do get it. about feeling as though you are an outcast or freak. I do get it; there are, however, those that for whatever reason, make self-depreciating jokes and seem to be fine. Perhaps this is what lets others feel as though they may do so too. I think that this is somewhat along the lines of black people calling each other the "N" word, but white people aren't supposed to do it. Many people feel that their sexual lives are really none of anyone else's business, and other than being who they are, don't discuss it. Maybe, if it really bothers you when people use derogatory euphemisms or tell jokes you feel are inappropriate, you can abruptly leave the conversation in a way that cannot be misconstrued? Or learn a few jokes that disparage heterosexual activity? [I am sure that there must be some]. There are a few little, tiny things that could be fixed here, but I feel that you really needed to get this off your chest
and are not concerned with a few punctuation marks and capitalization errors. Let it suffice to say
that this is a good poem that tells it like it is.
~ Geezer.
.
There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
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Rosewood Apothecary
Wed, 2022-08-10 16:40
I got the feels
You had me a bit teary. I’ve been made fun of for my empathy my whole life. For my money I’ll take big brains and soft hearts over status quo and bullying. You write beautifully and with intent. Speak your F**cking truth, I got your back. I’ve had it with all this mean and cruel behavior towards others. It’s gross and it makes my soul cry every damn day.
To hell with the clowns
Sending love,
Tim