The Masculine Trap

in a society of picking sides, what defines wrong or right?

stuck in a grey area with no black or white. 

family doesn’t understand, hoping you will execute their passion,

be a “Dentist,” “Lawyer,” or  “Doctor,” having second thoughts on fashion. 

friends think you’re “changing,” when you finally express yourself,

you’re always told to “man up” when struggling with mental health. 

Celine, Chanel, McQueen, oh my!

but I guess I can’t wear them because I’m a guy.

too bold for the boys, too brutish for the girls, 

stuck between wearing a hoodie or silk and pearls. 

why does fluidity seem so hard to perfect?

why can’t I be a king and queen like the cards of a deck.

maybe one day there will be true intersectionality, 

wearing what I want ... let’s snap back to reality.

can’t wear nail polish without being “gay” or rings while being “straight.”

how many men are stuck in this position? someone must relate.  

Paris, Milan and London, I want to cover the map,

but for now I am stuck here, in the masculine trap.

Woads & Image : Nathan Lau