But First of All, I Am Human

When you see this body, will you ask me to sit at the altar of womanhood so I can reference the gods of oppression? Will you curse the skin my ancestors asked the sun to bless me with? Will you reject the curves of my body? Will you condemn me for my love?

When you see this body, do you see me as human first? Did the news tell you to fear me? Did they convince you that only people like you are holy? Do the oligarchs promise you dominion in exchange for your humanity?

When you see this body, do you see yourself in the reflection of my eyes? Do you not see that we are both from the same borderless womb that held you long before you could speak? Do you not feel the same sunshine on your cheeks? Do you not hear how  the moon sings us all lullabies? Does your heartbeat not recognise our synchrony?

When you see this body, do you not see that we are one? Did you not depart the womb crying? Don’t our prayers both come from our mouths? Do we not celebrate our living the same? Did you not teach me how to best burry my dead? Do we not share the same body? Are you not covered with skin? Doesn’t the hair on your scalp also protect you from the mighty sun?

When you see this body, will you please see me as human first?