- Laura Altieri
Feminine
At four years old,
I was told that I wasn't
allowed to wear
nail polish that wasn't pink.
Red was too mature,
blue was too radical,
yellow was too weird.
"But why, mommy? I like red."
At nine years old,
I was ridiculed for wanting
to cut my irrationally long hair
a few inches shorter.
"A trim is fine, daddy will be mad otherwise."
At twelve years old,
I was reprimanded for speaking
with too deep a voice
for my family to tolerate.
"But I just got a palette expander and braces, what am I supposed to do?"
At fifteen years old,
I was belittled when I claimed
myself as a feminist.
"Don't say that, angel, it comes with a negative connotation."
I am and have always been
feminine and strong.
I wear red nail polish and do what I will with my hair.
I speak how I choose, and I proudly call myself a woman for other women.