A poem by my favourite author o’ awesomeness, Francesca Lia Block…

What Not to Wear

according to that bitchy pair on tv
you mustn’t wear a pink and black plaid mini kilt with black fishnet shirt,
black studded belt, knee high skull socks and danger pumps
even if you are a beautiful twenty-something dj/designer
who can rock it well

so what would they say of me
in my blush frothy tulle ballerina mini skirt
or my frayed hem jeans?

I have worn hats with veils, eccentric platforms
men’s engineer boots and prom dresses
ripped t-shirts and torn stockings
a piece of orange satin wrapped into a dress
distressed knit “depression wear”
and silk kimono patchwork big enough for clowns
I’ve had bleached hair with black roots
pale powder face without blush
too-big silver hoops
mostly I’ve worn my heart
bleeding all over both my sleeves
it’s not a pretty sight, my dears
and now my fear
like ridiculous armor to keep you out

hey tv bitches, bring it
at least I still
got up this morning
and wrote this thing