Hottentot Venus by Morgan Parker

Hottentot Venus

I wish my pussy could live 

in a different shape and get

some goddamn respect.

Should I thank you?

Business is booming 

and I am not loved

the way I want to be. 

I am an elastic

winter: sympathy

and shock, addictive

decoration. In the sunlight 

my captors 

drink African 

hibiscus. They tell me

I look regal bearing fruit.

I am technically nothing

human. 

I will never be 

a woman.

Somewhere in my

memory, I was held

by a man who said

I deserved it.

Now I understand.

No one worries about me 

because I am getting paid.

I am here to show you 

who you are, to cradle

your large skulls 

and remind you

you are perfect. Mother America, 

unleash your sons.

Everything beautiful, you own.