Why are some born to roar while others are taught to whisper?
Fearless giants born strong and empowered;
in awe, I wonder how to be so bold.
Fierce voices boom their views across the globe
while my soul pleads that I wait to be told.
They dance inside alluring confidence
while I stand chaste and wait to be allowed.
No-one dares deny nor hush their wild mouths,
but demand I say sorry and kowtow.
When they belittle, they are forgiven,
but if I object, the hands block my face.
Fearless giants live without restriction,
whereas I am reminded of my place.
—H, still punished for daring to speak
Straight White Male
A provocative, satirical poem dissecting identity, shame and language in the modern world. From “mansplaining” to “gender-neutrality,” it delivers a bitter elegy for the straight white male, and the backlash he never saw coming.
Read the Full Whisper →