Shapeshifting.

Oh but I must say

after a couple decades

of trying to be the lady

they want us all to be

ironing out my curly hair

trimming shaving waxing the tiny fibers of myself growing like flowers to protect me

wearing molds

to form the shape they deem i need to be

then apply some ruby red of submissive quiet to the lips

apply some more concealer to smooth and even out

the very thing they’re afraid to tame

they trick us into doing it for them 

the men 

who like to tell women how to be a woman

(and women with men living in their minds)

well my greatest hope

i can say

from the deep twisted bottom coil of my spine

is to be

not that lady

but the shapeless

shapeshifting

form of freedom

i ought to be.