unlock the ox by krystle young poems by ashley kim

poetry roundup

Each issue we feature pieces of prose and poetry from Asian women, nonbinary, and gender minority writers around the world. Here are this issue’s pieces!

Unlock the Ox

We embark upon a new year with stoked fears and shed tears The deafening silence amidst all this violence Does anybody hear?

Or care enough to share? When our pain is laid bare? You desire our spending power For our treasures, you’ll scour but when we ask for your support You hurl retorts or merely cower What else is in store?

How long must we implore before you ignore old ways we were taught to adore that tore us apart even more & pit us against each other in war to settle some score?

How much more can we take? How much blood must pour before this mistake and lore of modeling minorities vocalizes in the majority? What will you stand for? Know more No more Open the door Hear our roar

-krystleyoung