Wetlands Magazine Fall 2020

Page 24

Home Aaron Porter

CONTENT WARNING: queer slurs, self harm

You’re walking down the street with your parents

When everyone sits down,

To the place where you are meeting your

You feel a tingle between your legs

friends

You excuse yourself to the restroom

The rowdy bar stops its chatter

You stare at your two options

All eyes meet yours

Skirt or pants? Mesmerized by them, the line backs up

Then slowly make their way down your

behind you

chest

Weird looks follow you as you open the

Their faces contort in confusion

skirt

Wondering why this teenage boy Has such a curvy chest

The ladies at the sink are reapplying their

Why his crotch does not budge

lipstick but

Why his leg is bouncing and

Freeze, petrified

His eyes are glued to the stone floor

“Sir? The Men’s restroom is the other door”

The waiter asks “Sir, how many?”

Your eyes burn, threatening to spill tears

You cringe

You remind yourself that real men don’t

Your mom’s voice sheepishly saying

cry.

“This is my daughter”

You walk calmly to a stall

The realization hits the waiter when he

Waiting for the chatting to disperse

sees your blushing face “My apologies ma’am”

When it finally does, you pull your pants down

You want to scream

Your orange boxer briefs taunt you until

Want to cry

they’re at your knees and sitting

Want to tear your breasts off

Your reflection mocks you as you pull the

But you follow the waiter to your table

plastic from your pocket

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