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Don't

Don't
a poem by Cathay Lau

This piece is about the fetishization of East Asian women.


TW: second verse/stanza


Don’t look at me

with those blue bred eyes

My ancestors cry

as you colonize my soul

because you adore my culture


Don’t touch my skin

the flesh too soft

for your rough assault

Exotic enough

for your submissive ideal


Don’t say my name

mispronounce every curve

of the vowels and consonants

Expect me to smile

at your “harmless” naivety


Don’t tell me my worth

and anticipate my gratitude

when your opinion is void

Submissively present myself

whenever you want me


Don’t give them your time,

your thoughts, your energy

No settling as a shiny, exotic token

Immerse in your own culture and

bathe in positive words unspoken


- Cathay Lau


Cover photo source: Laura Karp Lugo https://academies.hypotheses.org/1476

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