What Rough Beast | Poem for June 30, 2019

Alana Hayes
No Bride In White Here

i might be a girl, but
white doe? a blushing gift?
i think no.

there is no bride,
no tomorrow-wife here.

i say no to the dress
and no to the veil.

Listen to me.
I speak the truth.

I died in my own arms.
I live by my own bread.
I buried that old, sweet child
in her place.
I am my own master
now, just and fair.

Alana Hayes is a graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she received a BA in English Literature and another in Women and Gender Studies. Her poetry revolves around themes of Judaism, feminism, and social justice issues. Follow her on Instagram @womanasriot.

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