Screen

I was born with 2 arms 2 legs 1 brain and the label girl

Im 3, I enter the nursery playground I don't look around I simply play with any and all those in front of me

I’m 5, I enter the school playground, I don't look around as I fix my skirt

I’m 7, I splash in the pool, I don't look around when I exit the pool in my swimsuit

I’m 10, my label has been taken away, they gifted me in exchange the label woman

I’m 12, I just moved schools, I screen for where all the “women” are, I find myself drawn to them, not out of queerness but kinship born out of fear

I’m 16, I walk onto the road at night, I screen the path for drunk men on the street

I’m 18, I sit in a rickshaw, I screen where the driver’s mirrors are, can they see me ? Can they see under my skirt?

I’m 21, I quietly refuse the open drink, I screen for the nearest club exit and closest bouncer

I’m 25, I am attending a wedding of a loved one, I screen for an opening at the bar away from the prying questions about my love life

I'm 30, I have enough burdens to bear, the label woman will not be another

I am me

And that is enough

-P