The Shadow of a Ponytail

[Evie]

I look into the mirror

And see a grotesque face

Covered in hair and manliness

This face is mine, but yet it is not

 

In the shadow of the mirror 

Glowing hair flows over my shoulders

 A hand reaches back for a lock

And the ponytail is clear

 

Forced into an American cult

Positioned into equality

Yet the government can't be right

For I am a slave to society

 

The mirror shifts to a hand

Knuckles bloody as a man

Washed away by soothing water

To reveal purple nails of a daughter 

 

School life ain't so bad

Got great grades but I am sad

Raise my hand to get called on

But not by the name defined by me

 

Broader shoulders disappear 

A princess dress over a shirt

Now the mirror shows me clear

Then it all disappears

 

Loved ones they don't understand

How they gave birth not to a man

The doctor forgot to double check

Made my mind a gender wreck

 

The shadow is gone 

But not my tears

A future stands just out of reach

Evie lurks behind the glass 

 

For now I must continue my lie

Until all the fear subsides

Then the world will know my name

Daughter of darkness without shame

 

Finally the mirror breaks

Friends may be lost but I am found

A whole new world does await

If only society believed

 

In the shadow of the mirror

I see a ponytail

A discovery filled with pain 

Yet happiness just the same

 

-Evie 

(sorry it's a terrible poem. I thrive in fiction, but poetry is not a strong suit of mine)

Edited August 29, 2017 by Charlize
Last name removed

[Charlize]

Relax Evie.  Your poem certainly shows your struggle.  It is one i have known as well.  In time you may well find the mirror to be a friend.  It took me years but today i accept what i see.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Jani]

Sometimes our poetry shows our anguish and sometimes it displays our joy.  We write what we feel.  

Thanks for sharing

Jani

[clair dufour]

Its a very good Slam Poem, a form very popular with  lesbians. Would love to read your fiction but, remember no sex on this site but, working around that, is what made LGBT authors so great.

[Ulfra_Wolfe]

"Daughter of darkness without shame" is a very evocative line!

 

You convey a lot of conflicting emotions and self-discovery with this poem.  And hey, the best way to get better at poetry is to write & read poetry.

[Jennifer T]

On September 5, 2017 at 11:14 PM, Ulfra_Wolfe said:

"Daughter of darkness without shame" is a very evocative line!

 

Agreed!  Bery evocative! 

 

But Evie, in time she may be a daughter of light. It is within your control to determine such.

 

All poetry flows from the depth of our emotions, Evie. You owe no apologies and I've enjoyed this piece. 

 

Be at peace.