A Middle Eastern Poem - Ruby Rosenthal

A Middle Eastern Poem

RUBY ROSENTHAL

after Eileen Myles

I have already figured out what I’m supposed to do but it’s probably because it’s been told to me before because I listen and don’t respond. My mother said I can’t call myself Middle-Eastern because then they’ll think I’m a terrorist. Who is they? In the Middle East I’m not allowed to wear my shorts up to there or tell a man I’ve had it up to here. In the Middle East they call me a frantic feminist because I talk wildly with my hands and refuse to serve men who refuse to serve me. In the Middle East men in scary uniforms are allowed to stop our bus take our IDs and make sure we’re all supposed to be here and this is totally normal. In the Middle East I can’t say that about the president even if it’s true because what if he’s listening and did I know that I could go to jail if I say one more word. In the Middle East there is no such thing as an opinion if you’re below the age of 24 and a woman. In the Middle East there are no waitresses no actresses only mistresses and missusses. But this is all fine. At least no one will ever think I’m a terrorist.

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POETRY