On Being Emo

by

Kathryn A. Kopple 

 

Henri Matisse

Emo keeps a long green wig in the closet

And other cosplay apparel: blue and white
Sailor dress, bobby socks, sparkly shoes,
Emo bathes in scents and oils,
Paints every other fingernail a different color,
Collects bead bracelets and drop earrings,

Emo is sensitive, prone to rashes and outbreaks,
Which is why women’s lingerie feels best--
More like wearing lotion than underwear,
Emo orders panties and bras online,
It’s just safer that way,

Emo purchases swag—t-shirts, bookbags,
Knitted hats—at concerts held in church basements,
Post-punk-indie-pop-hardcore-rap-rock—
Emo loves this music, these bands and their
We’re all dying to live ethos,

Emo is also dying to live and love,
Fearless as waves rolled over by the wind,
Emerge from the water unscathed,
Emo wants all of these things for herself,
this light, that touch.