Old Policies - by Stella Crouch This poem was first published by the National Organization for Women (NOW) in the April 2021 edition of That Can’t Be True!

Sensationalism isn’t a formula for success 

It is an overused devise to attract attention 

I yearn for escapism 

We are loaded with tropes and antiquated traditions 

I’m tied to a dated model that faded away long ago

But I suppose that is something you already know

Can I ask questions?

Or is that something society doesn’t want me to mention? 

 

I might not be able to solve the world’s problems

But why can’t I try? 

I’m not for sale before you ask

Don’t you see this colourful art on my face? 

I don’t have what you would call ‘taste’

It doesn’t matter what I wear

If I have strong opinions or swear

I know you think my ‘beauty’ is going to waste

But I’d rather wear chains and carry mace

Than be some innocent doll

Waiting to be cat called

Why must I ignore the whistles and yells?

When I’m not supposed to whisper must yet shout

I refuse to be afraid to age, for my hair might fall out

And god forbid my boobs would sag

I should rush into marriage for no one will want me when I’m old

At least that is what women have long been told

I am not allowed to be content on my own

And be free to have consensual sex with whomever I please

I should be able to live without being told

To cover my shoulders, breast or knees

Ever notice they use the word Virgin before Mary

That’s because we value women on their ‘purity’ and their conformity

I am queer and I do not want to be controlled by fear

Being threatened with hell in order to sell ancient systems 

designed to propel white, cis, straight, able-bodied men forward and closer to ‘success and wealth’

 

Don’t clutch my ass

And then say it’s alright because you go to mass

Because at the end of the day it just makes you an assaulting creep 

And I’m not about to sit here and weep

Cause this hunk of objectified meat can make art like this 

With historic minds

Committing beautiful crimes

of passion and protest

We will write our way to autonomy

Dealing with pain through comedy

And leaving behind old policies