March 2nd

The Age of Vulva

is upon us

(not the car, you idiot,

the mons, the pubis,

Mound of Venus)

it is

at us

in our faces

for all to see

on every street

in all places

public private spaces

gagging for attention

there are no secrets

anymore

that shrink-wrapped vulva

ain’t hardcore

ain’t private parts

nor hidden

under skirt

or bustle

it is out and proud

and vulgar

and not just at the gym

skintight

flesh-toned leggings

are streetwear

du jour

no longer strictly boudoir

ignore the vulva

at your peril

stare at the vulva

double peril

it is demanding

your attention

hey you! looka me!

no, I haven’t left my pants at home!

titties? meh…

arse-cheeks? ditto

the map of Tassie’s

shrunk

to Hobart

with no old growth forest

to defend its honour

I’m still shocked

can’t block it and

can’t look away

when will come

the day

when men decide

to follow suit

forsake the trouser

flaunt the flute.

linktr.ee/janeclifton