Words That Burn

How To Dress Like A Scary Dyke, by Jane Barnes (1943-)

She said, Wear my leather jacket, a looser
sweater.  Take off that lipstick,
don’t fuss with your hair.  Wear
jeans and boots. That ought to do it.

I still had stockings stuffed like
seaweed in packages, and nylon pants
that made my crotch itch
without desire.

I still had black high heels
I bought to make me look all business,
but I couldn’t get to to the business
of not dressing for men.

She told me what they’d like,
those scary dykes.
I took these notes.
Wanted to learn real bad.