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

“You have to be flexible beta”

Sima Taparia, Indian Matchmaking

Queer, disabled, five foot four,

Abuse survivor,( bona fide whore)

high school prefect, English teacher,

And a chronic underreacher.

Likes to call herself a 'they,'

Makes veg sushi, cooks with whey;

Exercises every day.

Beautiful, but just in parts,

Mediocre at many arts.

Sovereign of self-flagellation,

Anxious like it's a vocation;

No drinking, smoking,

doesn't do drugs

Decent-to-good at giving hugs;

Deeply honest, Deeply flawed

Not easily overawed.

23 and getting older,

Sweetbitter and getting bolder.

One part woman one part tea

Mostly nonbinary

Needs someone to let them be

Call them and maybe see

If you like their company?