The Washroom Reserve Poem by Chelsea Emily

The Washroom Reserve

Rating: 5.0


The elephants say there is a dangerous people,
lurking in our public washrooms, masking themselves
with feminine trends to prey upon our little ones.
So now laws of hatred and humiliating invasion
have been dropped like atomic bombs.
I was asked, "Don't you wish to protect your daughter? "
From my chest, swelled with defiance and enmity-
I spoke, "Not from an already oppressed people.
A people born with their identity assigned at birth and expectations sown in their flesh.
No, I do not wish to protect my daughter
From a woman who was born the wrong sex."
I am not afraid of transwomen in public restrooms.
I am afraid of my daughter going to school,
Of her peers who instead of stopping her assailant,
whip out their phones to record and post it on the internet.
I'm afraid of her walking to the store, of white vans
that promise trust and friendship with her parents.
I am afraid of her going to sleep overs.
I am afraid of her attending college
and living on campus…
No, the enemy preys in the shadows
And corners of their own homes,
victimizing their own blood.
Any one of us are game and their depravity
becomes the plight of our children.
I am not afraid of transwomen in public restrooms.
I am afraid judicial men.
Men who stake claim to heteronormality.
Holy men. Married men. Power-seeking men.
Elephant men.

Tuesday, May 3, 2016
Topic(s) of this poem: politics,transgender,discrimination
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Dutendra Chamling 04 May 2016

Chelsea Emily! Wow! What a marvellous poem, indeed.

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Mike Smith 03 May 2016

How very true. As if we didn't have enough to be 'afraid' of the elephant men come and say we must protect our restrooms from 'invaders'... They act as if we're not talking about how man beings but monsters rather. It is pitious. I live in a blue state.... Donkey men rule around here... But even they too have their own prejudice. Great write! Meaningful and poignant. a 10 undoubtedly

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