Poem: “A Girl’s Guide” by Amy Gleeson

By Amy Gleeson

 

sit and be still

sit and be still and cross your legs

sit and be still and cross your legs

and smile

 

smile sweetly, with no teeth

paint your nails and say thank you

when they open the door,

pay for dinner, kiss your cheek

buy a flower, as if it

is the single, greatest thing

 

sit and be still

 

sit and be still and sigh

sit and be still and move your hair

over your shoulder, let him touch your hands

accidentally

 

bite your lip, then, look away

be baby soft, be fluttery,be small and

scared, and still

 

be available, be a damsel

in a dress, be lashes and legs

and lips, be floral print and heeled shoes

sit and be still

 

sit and be still and hold your breath

sit and be still and hold your breath

until you’re fading, faded,

gone.

 

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Amy Gleeson is a professional and published writer specializing in poetry. She completed her B.A.H in English and Creative Writing and has been published in many chapbooks, zines, newspapers, and magazines. Currently Amy is writing her first novel. Amy is also an active feminist in her community and currently co-hosts a monthly feminist collective called “Riot Grrrl Tuesdays”, and also hosted “Milk and Vodka”, a local feminist radio show.