§mile.

Who ever said social constructs only leave the underdogs to dry,

clearly lived under the illusion of an elaborate, well fabricated lie.

Sit straight, square your shoulders, chin up . The cameras have been angled, the light manipulated.

His face remade- sorry modified, he knows where to look and when to gaze deeply into the people’s eyes. He knows what to sigh at, and the appropriate response to someone’s compliment.

He knows the current that flows through the landscapes of obligation and courtesy.

He knows what can and should not be. He knows what should be covered and hidden, potrayed and insinuated-

he knows how to preserve his “manly modesty”.

 

Pull out a chair- for those that were born without what has now become a privilege.

Carry the heavy load of apparent kindness and caring.

Let the dungeons of the lacrimal gland let no watery prisoner out.

 

As the fabric of his self esteem flails in the wind,

“Get ripped, bulk up”-  The key to acceptance, power,enhanced fame and unquestionable manliness, no doubt.

No one really cared about his beliefs- the ones public opinion held at gunpoint,

“Oh my god, his Ralph Lauren suit was so on point!”

Who gave a damn if his mind was well tuned, a perfectly harmonious harp?

All that was worth noting, was that his jawline was unbelievably sharp.

You are privileged, you can do anything you think-

“Please don’t tell me you like to wear the colour pink”

Be egoistic, dominating, give irreverence no chance,

as long as it’s not ballet, you won’t be judged if you dance.

 

Sit straight, square your shoulders, chin up. The cameras have been angled, the light manipulated. Suck your armour like abdomen in. Breathe right. Part your lips.

 

As long as she doesn’t earn more than you, we will not give you any pain,
All along chanting and proclaiming earnestly- gender equality must reign.

Tousle your hair, raise an eyebrow, smirk

You have to look good, 

you have a powerful image that you can not shirk.

 

As he looked across the set, into her jet black eyes-

 

“Don’t be boisterous, it’s elegant to be shy”

“It’s her wedding, why is it that she does not cry?”

Sit straight, square your shoulders, twirl your hair, don’t heave.

Cover up,  somethings to imagination it is better to leave.

Don’t sit that way, are you out of your mind?

“She cooks very well, she will be helpful you’ll find.”

 

Then entered the puppeteer, their captor, the final judge-

“Ready?!”- came Society the photographer’s shout,

“Please darlings you have to do more than simply pout”.
Sit straight, purse your lips, open your eyes wide

“Follow what I’ve said, it is a matter of your pride.”

 

Who ever said social constructs only leave the underdogs to dry,
clearly lived under the illusion of an elaborate, well fabricated lie.

 

The photographer’s expectations and beliefs were convoluted, irrational and vile,
the golden diktats of conformity and acceptance made them submissively sigh –

“Sit straight and square your shoulders.”

“Don’t question your predetermined roles.”

“Hold your head high.”

The cameras are set, everyone is watching.

“Ready?!”

Smile.