Tuesday Poem: "Posture" by Megan Seil aka Dusty Rhymes

Walk tall

Stand upright 

Don't be contrite

Smile more

Chest out

Chin up

Don't look down 

Levitate above the ground

Perform for us

Be on show 

Let us bathe in your womanly glow

But don't harness her

Not that power she holds

The rich maroon reds and gold

They're for us to revel in

Chin up

Chest out

Don't you pout

Stay in shape

Be tall and thin

Not too stout

Speak quietly 

Don't shout

Mellow oooout

Don't embody her fullness

The warmth and the goodness

Her energy

Put your shoulders back

Take that smoulder back

Its unladylike 

Conform for us

Be on form for us

Stroke our egos

Be present 

Don't be unpleasant 

Control yourself

Ignore her

Don't adorn her

Do not mourn her

Keep your eyeline straight

Don't stay up too late

Be respectable

Make pleasantries 

Drink pleasant teas

Not rum

Smile more

Don't be a whore

Wash your mouth out

Don't acknowledge her

Don't trust her knowledge

Go to college 

Get an education 

Be book smart

Be well dressed

And pass the test

Behave

Don't express your rage

Present yourself 

Sit down

Don't frown

Be grateful

You're a woman now.

by Megan Seil aka Dusty Rhymes

And this is what young Ōtautahi poet, Megan Seil, says about herself:

"Growing up rough I found my escape through books and song lyrics and eventually began writing short stories and poetry of my own. I've always kept most of my work to myself, only recently beginning to share relevant pieces via social media and sacred sharing circles. Spoken Word has afforded me the freedom to express my deepest hurts and fears under the guise of "art" and as someone with a naturally rhythmic, repetitive and poetic mind, it allows me to organize the chaos in my head into something slightly more palatable to the general public. My only hope with my work is that people are able to truly see me, and in turn are able to feel more truly seen themselves."

Thank you for sharing your poem with the Tuesday Poem audience, both of them...ha ha. I heard Megan read this poem of hers (shown above) at the Catalyst monthly poetry Open Mic night. If you are an Ōtautahi poet or a poet visiting Ōtautahi  from somewhere in Aotearoa or the world, I urge you to attend. It is a great night for lovers of poetry!