1 hour ago
I am Not a Riddle
I didn't want to play.
Every time, I get named and categorized by people
who've never met me, and who don't think I even deserve
a proper name.
What, you don't bristle when somebody calls you Blondie?
(Well, maybe not, ma'am, if that's why you dyed your hair.
On reflection, I must admit it does make you more visible.)
You don't think it's rude, mammal, that you are named
for having two rounded body parts (which you, sir, don't
actually have)?
Apologies. I was just making a point. I would not be so
discourteous.
So, if you will, call me a name that says that I am clean
and she is wholesome, even if I'm not and she thinks
"wholesome" means "boring".
Call me a name that says that she chose me for my
skin color — I'm pleased to be so particularly chosen.
(My kind isn't racist, except when pressed.)
Call me a name that says that my legs are taut and my
stride is infinite, but not really, because I'm getting
a little old and so is she.
Call me a name that says that we met in her youth,
and that long after we can't get around anymore,
she'll keep me in a corner of the garage for love.
Call me by my name.
I didn't want to play.
Every time, I get named and categorized by people
who've never met me, and who don't think I even deserve
a proper name.
What, you don't bristle when somebody calls you Blondie?
(Well, maybe not, ma'am, if that's why you dyed your hair.
On reflection, I must admit it does make you more visible.)
You don't think it's rude, mammal, that you are named
for having two rounded body parts (which you, sir, don't
actually have)?
Apologies. I was just making a point. I would not be so
discourteous.
So, if you will, call me a name that says that I am clean
and she is wholesome, even if I'm not and she thinks
"wholesome" means "boring".
Call me a name that says that she chose me for my
skin color — I'm pleased to be so particularly chosen.
(My kind isn't racist, except when pressed.)
Call me a name that says that my legs are taut and my
stride is infinite, but not really, because I'm getting
a little old and so is she.
Call me a name that says that we met in her youth,
and that long after we can't get around anymore,
she'll keep me in a corner of the garage for love.
Call me by my name.

