Published January 15th, 2024
by Onwabo Mkenku
I am judged by the same community
that is supposed to protect me from society.
Society puzzled of the double closet
Rule:
You can only be attracted to one gender.
But what if I disagree?
I know I am a disgrace
I am masculine woman
my community, painting me with same patriarchy
let us define masculinity in women –
are we not allowed to date other men
nor get pregnant?
They say gender is fluid
but yet judge each other
it still puzzles me
yet I feel like a forever disgrace
Wherever I go I see
eyes peeking at my direction
in clinics
being humiliated, feeling ashamed
Can't masculine women get contraceptives
without judgement or uncertainty?
Indeed, I am a forever disgrace...
About the Poet
Onwabo Mkenku resides in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
Read the poet's biography on Onwabo Mkenku's Artist Page.
This poem is included in Poetry World #8, published in the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
Previously published in South Africa Poetry Magazine:
The Struggle
by Farrahd Williams
South Africa Poetry Magazine is part of the Wax Poetry and Art Network.
- Visit the main Wax Poetry and Art Submissions Page to see all opportunities.
- Visit the Wax Poetry and Art Library.
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