By Vandana Likhmania
NAVEL
I am your first scarFrom the cord
That connected you to ma,
Proof that you have inherited more from her
Than just anxiety
And love for shawarma.
I am now that useless part,
The button on your belly,
Once your source of nutrition,
That still needs attention.
Innies and outies,
Inhibition and intimidation.
Hide me, take cover!
Don't let them see or know
That I exist down below.
Shirt an inch longer
And I will be as good as gone,
Like white in the snow.
Or,
Lift that top up a notch,
Push the pants down a bit.
Innies and outies,
Freedom of expression.
And if you like it,
You can also put a ring on it.
And love for shawarma.
I am now that useless part,
The button on your belly,
Once your source of nutrition,
That still needs attention.
Innies and outies,
Inhibition and intimidation.
Hide me, take cover!
Don't let them see or know
That I exist down below.
Shirt an inch longer
And I will be as good as gone,
Like white in the snow.
Or,
Lift that top up a notch,
Push the pants down a bit.
Innies and outies,
Freedom of expression.
And if you like it,
You can also put a ring on it.
NAILS
I am at your fingertips,
Between your teeth,
Opening jar lids,
Carrying the day's dirt,
Signifying your hard word;
At times, even your sexuality,
Through my length,
Stereotyping your personality;
Your self-defense,
Partner in crime,
Your calm in times of anxiety.
Come on, girl,
So don't be scared,
Of patriarchy, that man in the dark alley.
Don't be scared, dear boy,
Of homo-phobia or heteronormativity.
I am dead tissue,
And also metal,
Hit me at the right places,
And I will help you keep it together.
Between your teeth,
Opening jar lids,
Carrying the day's dirt,
Signifying your hard word;
At times, even your sexuality,
Through my length,
Stereotyping your personality;
Your self-defense,
Partner in crime,
Your calm in times of anxiety.
Come on, girl,
So don't be scared,
Of patriarchy, that man in the dark alley.
Don't be scared, dear boy,
Of homo-phobia or heteronormativity.
I am dead tissue,
And also metal,
Hit me at the right places,
And I will help you keep it together.
I loved reading this. The thought behind the poem was so unique and different. Please keep writing!
I loved reading this. The though behind the poem was so unique and different. Please keep writing!