Femininity is a Prison
Wyatt Plafker
Where the shackles are coated in a thick layer of glitter
An older man eyeing my curves
A warden complimenting me for my good behavior
Calling me a “good girl”
While I am simply doing my job
Where the chicken wire fence poses as a pair of fishnets
Scratching my legs, telling me how lovely they look
A fence that has never protected me
No matter what I wear
I fear to walk in the dark
Where no matter what I do
The guard dogs will howl and howl
They’ll search me without my voice
Meaning anything
How could it
They’re animals, language is obsolete
Where my freedom is far
Begging to a god that has no reason to answer
It’s silly to
Why pray for something like that
You must have asked for it
Where a gavel bangs
The sound ringing in my ears
Where maybe, just maybe
It'll be worth it, existing in a world
Where beauty is tainted
Femininity is a complex
War machine covered in the hands
Of men with no perception of the weapon
A ticking time bomb
Ready to splatter
When given their chance
Leslie Apodaca is a 19-year-old aspiring illustrator, with dreams of becoming a concept artist. She is currently working on receiving an associate’s degree for illustration & sequential arts at Phoenix College. Leslie aspires to motivate fellow young artists, encouraging them never to abandon their artistic journey. She firmly believes that with dedication and hard work, anything can be achieved in the realm of art. These artworks showcase Leslie’s dedication and talent, reflecting her efforts in her life drawing class.
Wyatt Plafker is an education major in their first year of college. He’s heavily into art and general nerdy stuff! She loves writing about problems that actively affect her, like feminism, abuse, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders.
RISE 