Dear Arie - 08 October 2023 Poem by Rinji Kwarkas

Hi Arie,
You are no lone voice,
Amidst the media and the chic culture pressure noise,
We tell ourselves the same every time we take off the pseudo identity.
Maybe Slavery feels better when it's self imposed,
But that's only if the slave know they slaving though.

I'm at the table and yes I brought some with me,
I deserve to be here,
I'm comfortable yeah,
But just not in my skin.

Day up the tone, I'm scared of the night where stars shine for I'm no star, at least that's what I've been told.
Just let me gaze at the sun till my glitter is dimmed.
For when day comes, all stars loose their shine and we must blend in.
Dear follicle creator, I know you hear the muffled complaints,
Wooly curls don't measure up they say.
Such a shame that the beholder is now universal so we must all align - robots on a line.

Next time I'll complement parts, and I wonder when I'm done would I be referring to you or the products. Will my eyes gaze on the beauty of products or on you?
When I derob you, will I wish you were someone else or will I be okay with you?
But that's just me and I have no right so let me ask you;
When you wash them off and take it off, that sigh of relief tells a story of truth. Do you believe the story?