Untitled IV
‘How can I show
my punk side at work?’
was a question posed
in a feminine punk space recently.
Shoulder tattoos of band logos
peaking out from under
a sleeveless dress,
my band-logoed pick necklace
standing out in red
from muted clothes,
my water bottle covered
in stickers from punk labels,
podcasts, and record stores.
At times when I must
be more subtle,
I make sure
that my spiked earring is visible.
Or I affix buttons from bands
to the lapel of a plain black jacket.
I brand myself
as best I can when I go out.
I wear the shirt that proclaims
I am a flame-throwing feminist,
or one that reminds us to,
“Know Your Roots”
as skins and punks.
I shield myself in black hoodies,
but put on my “stompy boots”
to make myself seem harder
then I know I feel.
But at the end of the day,
we must remember
what Tony Sly told us about being punk:
“Do whatever you want to do.
Without any reservations.”
But that’s another discussion.
