A Poem a Day (752): Whore (#metoo)

This is a poem I wrote about misogyny on 15 September 2019. I did a search on this blog, but can't find it, so here goes. Just as relevant now as then. #metoo

Whore
 
He’s a whore.
He’s a slut.
He’s a tart.
What a skank.
 
What is he wearing?
That skirt is too short.
 
He’s too old to wear that.
He’s too ugly to wear that.
 
Ha ha ha!
 
His boobs are too big.
He’s as flat as a pancake.
 
His butt looks huge in that.
He has no butt.
 
He’s celibate.
He’s fucking the world.
 
Ha ha ha!
 
He’s not interested in me
so he must be gay.
He needs taken down a peg or two.
 
He’s slept with 10 women,
20, 30, 40, 50, I’ve lost count.
He’s got a graveyard of exes.
 
He’s so popular.
He’s so unpopular.
He’s got no balls.
He’s got too many balls.
 
Ha ha ha!
 
Look what he’s wearing.
He asked for it,
he’s wearing a thong,
So it isn’t rape.
He’s a whore.
He’s a skank.
 
Ha ha ha!
 
What’s so funny?
It isn’t funny.
 
And, of course, no one speaks
about guys this way.

Copyright Vickie Johnstone, 15 September 2019

 

A Poem a Day (751): Information technology

I wrote this poem on October 9, 2020 – an old one and I thought it was published on here, but I can't find it, so... about revenge porn.

Information technology
 
The guy isn’t going to hit pause
while he hides his face away,
 
shoots daggers from off-stage,
reads stories to the crowd,
 
rewords history in his way,
adjusts the TV to his visor,
 
listens, takes, reveals and scores.
A patchwork quilt of your life.
 
You’re the “bitch” in his eyes,
so you’ve gotta keep on paying.
 
Your data is his to pass on
with no recoil to the injury.
 
Copyright Vickie Johnstone, October 9, 2020
 
 
Revenge Porn is the sharing of explicit or sexual images or videos without the consent of the person in the image. This crime has become more common since 2015. It can affect men and women, and even children. Anyone aged under 16 is still a child.
Safeline is able to support victims of revenge porn. Its helpline advisors and counsellors are experienced in dealing with such cases, and can offer support and advice. If you or someone you know has been affected by revenge porn, and are considering reporting your case under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, speak to Safeline for confidential advice.
https://www.safeline.org.uk/revenge-porn-what-it-means-for-the-victim-and-the-offender/
 
 

A Poem a Day: remembering 9/11

In remembrance of all those caught up in 9/11. Those who were there, those who tried to save others, those at home, those watching. This is a poem I wrote in 2021. It's inspired by the photograph we've all seen of the man falling. A picture that strikes everyone dumb because there are no words. 

Feathers 
 
Feathers turn on the air,
burrow in the upflift
fluttering, these precious things,
the barest feel of touch
spinning. A white glow.
Breezes take them skyward
as if to connect with the stars,
breathe as high as the moon.
Scant traces of being
blown away and now lost.
Not feathers but people
falling.
 
Copyright Vickie Johnstone, September 11, 2021

A Poem a Day (750): Rethread

I wrote this sitting in a pub with a neverending fuel of coffee. Just about to post it and a couple come and sit in front of me and start snogging, even though most of the tables in the room are empty. I guess it's a romantic pub then! Anyway, I wrote a poem on notepad cos I can't afford to renew my Word licence at the moment and I can't find where it has saved, so I am posting the screengrabs I made of it!!! Funny trying to focus with two people snogging on your eye level, but here goes... 

The poem is called Rethread...