Here I stand
a figure absent of androgyny
my feminine curves
the fire in my frame
that does not owe you
an archetype.

My jaw is not angled
my features are soft
but my words
hold perspective.
My hourglass is not
quicksand
not a time bomb
not me wasting away
at the moments
I could be contemplating
not being
the right version
of this.

Here I stand
knowing you cannot
commodify my spirit
knowing you cannot
capture a heart
knowing that in this body
I am somebody
I am enough.

About the author

Charleston is a genderfluid bisexual butterfly writing on Wurundjeri land. They write about growth, healing, nourishment, and coming out of emotional cocoons, with every piece being a love letter for their inner child.

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash.