INT. Operating Theatre–6:33am.
the stage for my arrival. picture: the caesarean
slit womb curtain pulled back and a spotlight
shining on my first ever controversy; see the art
critics gather in white paper gowns scribbling
notes, analyses of my debut guerrilla protest cry
so powerful, my time of birth is officially noted
two minutes late. already the reviews are rolling in, oh!
what a performance! the defiance of this baby! her
daringness to draw life! the bravery, the boldness!
GOD HATES—wait...how soon can we call her a dyke?
primary school? naturally the outraged gather outside
hospital doors, demanding closure of this show. politicians
begin making statements addressing the public outcry.
most condemn. some condone. later, everyone
gets a vote, and my still-bleeding mother starts to worry
my life may be somewhat challenging (what with all this
attention, my sudden birth-right burden of gaining support)
and she’ll cry about how years from now, i’ll be eating
all alone because no politics are allowed at the table.
Holly Archibald is a working-class actor and poet based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her written work primarily focuses on lesbian identity, feminism, working-class culture, and open spirituality. Holly has most recently been published by Cerasus Magazine and Impossible Archetype, and has upcoming publications in Grist Journal, Querencia Anthology, Queerlings Magazine, and the Q&A Queerzine. You can find more about Holly and her work via Instagram @h0llyarchibald.
