THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.

Don’t you cause any trouble. Be calm. Be still.

You’ve got so many issues. Relax. Be chill.

That’s way too much passion. Simmer down. Be cool.

Why ask so many questions? Be quiet. Follow rules.

Wait your turn to speak up. Sit down. Be humble.

They’re watching every move. Walk straight. Don’t stumble.

Can you handle the pressure? Be composed. Don’t crack.

You take up too much space. Retreat. Step back.

Are you sure about that? Reconsider. Think twice.

Don’t frown or get angry. Smile. Be nice.

They’ll call you emotional. It’s okay. Just feel.

They’ll ask you to bow down. Stand up. Don’t kneel.

They’ll pose many obstacles. Rise up. Stay brave.

They’ll try to intimidate. Resist. Don’t cave.

They’ll order you to shut up. Don’t listen. Express.

They’ll question your clothes. You decide how to dress.

They’ll limit your options. Only you get to choose.

They’ll pressure you to say yes. If it’s no; Refuse.

They’ll doubt your actions. Go ahead. Just do.

They’ll tell you who to be. Ignore. Be you.