Thursday, March 1, 2018

How I Flip It and Reverse It

The Fire That Cleanses


If you want pleasure
seek no further
I've got warmth between my legs
that can start a fire
I'll burn everything down
scorch the earth of
misogyny inequality
before you know it, you'll be circumcised
Don't think I don't see your inability to understand what the fuck you're coming into
do not underestimate the power of the tides of my vagina
Yes
I'll wash everything away
cleanse the hatred and ignorance embedded in the body of America
No
I'll burn everything down, there's a reason God is coming with fire
So
I'll burn everything down
sparking the rebirth of justice
(Wait, that never existed)
all while fucking you
So I ask again, you sure you want pleasure?
Cause if you drown, you were warned
little boys who play with fire get burned


The Ride to Feminism

Don't tell me to close my legs
If I want to
let my ocean flow
drown the world
of silver and gold
of power and greed
humble a man to his knees
let my vagina lead
don't try to restrict my tides
with your societal guidelines
cause it has not been socialized that way
so let me open wide
and I'll take a seat
on this ride
called Feminism


Art and literature are avenues through which we express ourselves to attempt to affect social change by bringing
awareness. Beyonce was unapologetic, vulnerable and honest in Lemonade. She was
empowered by her sexuality and her voice at the same time. I especially connected to her music video for her
song "Hold Up". She mentions "she tried to change" by "clos(ing) her mouth more." She "tried to be soft, prettier,
less awake." While she's expressing these words in the music video, she was submerged in water in a home.
However, there was a shift in her attitude and demeanor when she rose from the water and opened the doors of
her home. As she opened the doors water poured out and she looked strong, right at the center of the frame.
Beyonce is rarely vulnerable with the public and that's why I felt that her message was particularly impactful. I
connected to her message about suppressing one's true self to appeal to a man or society. I also connected to her
message of female liberation and embracing one's sexuality and the gaze of others. Beyonce also calls to action
and making noise by turning masculinity on its head and using phallic symbols. As I reflected on "Hold Up", I realized
I too have made statements addressing my sexuality in a poetic way that empowers women to fight against misogyny.
In my poems "The Ride to Feminism" and "The Fire That Cleanses" I use water as a metaphor to sex, letting go of
oppressive gender expectations, and women empowerment. In "The Fire That Cleanses" I also includes fire as a metaphor
of taking action in society to create a more accepting and equal space. "The Ride to Feminism" Definitely aligns with
the "Hold Up" music video. Beyonce wore a dress that showed her femininity and allowed her to express her sexuality.
Her attitude reminded me of the lines "Don't try to restrict my tides with your societal guidelines". Too often women's
bodies are policied and we are harshly critizide for expressing our sexuality. Beyonce and I wanted to undermine this
message by encouraging women to be who they want to be and reminding them that they do not have to operate
within this oppressive system. Women do not need to abide by gender expectations so it's time we all flip it and reverse it.

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