dressing for the male gaze

Tired eyes. no makeup. baggy pants

Maybe an even bigger shirt

I lower my voice about one and a half notes. 

Make a coffee. make a suggestion. lower my voice another half step. slouch. get brushed against. brush it off. It’s not that big of a deal. 

Mom, i don’t want you to worry 

Bright eyes. deep makeup. tight clothes. 

Maybe even tighter pants 

I raise my voice about one and a half notes. 

Move my body. sing a song. raise my voice another half step, smile. get brushed off. get brushed against. Brush it off. It’s not that big of a deal. 

Mom, i don’t want you to worry 

Worried eyes. thoughts still leftover.

Messy room. unbrushed teeth.

I keep my voice quiet for the night.

Think about it. shut my eyes. chase a dream. leave it be. brush it off. It can’t be that big of a deal.

Mom, i don’t want you to worry