Society enters through the door uninvited. He lies down on my couch without being welcomed in. I ask him of his intentions. He smiles and hands me a list. He recited it out loud. Wear a crop top and lose some weight. You’ll never be loved if you’re late– To the trends– Laugh at everything men say despite the lack of humor Wear makeup and a short skirt with bright color Be the perfect little lady in waiting because no one wants you if you’re too smart Remain silent and you won’t get hurt Stay at home and clean the house and be useful Take care of the children because that’s the only purpose of fools And he grins at me, throwing pictures of nude beautiful women I see the curves, the lipstick, and I can’t look like them Victoria’s Secret is today’s mystery and dream He tells me no one will love me if I’m not “supreme” That a woman needs to be perfect to be shown a single drop of love That I must be the quiet little girl and be the pure dove But what if I’m the raven? What if I’m not Victoria? What if I can’t fit in despite the nausea from body dysphoria? What if she can’t be loved unless she can cook and clean? What if she chooses to reach for her dreams instead of settling in? Why are we expected to be speechless? To lose our voice to be loved and shown kindness Society throws this list on my face And yet I grin despite the disgrace I don’t need your rules and requirements I don’t need your words and comments Not to fit in with the world, but to be with the Lord