Chocolate Waters

Feminine The word has become hateful. It reminds you of little-girl voices, clutch purses, ankle bracelets, clean underwear in case you get hit by a truck. Feminine. The word has lost its woman, its essence, its puissance, its delicious smell. It reminds you of deodorant sprays of "female troubles," of not-enough-iron-in-the diet. Feminine. The word has become declasse. They scorn it in classrooms, in locker rooms, in faggots. They scorn it in political matters and in women's bars. Feminine. The word has lost its noblesse, its butch, butch, butchiness. Feminine. The word has lost its balls.

Originally published in the anthology: The Leading Edge,  Lace Publications, Denver, CO Copyright © 1987 and 2000 by Chocolate Waters All rights reserved