Falconer's Library's Semi-Annual Attempt at Poetry

What {white} women my age are called

Jennifer, more often than not.

Beth or Liz (but not Betty)
Kristi, Christie, or Kristy

Some Lauras, some Lesleys, some Michelles

We’re at the tail end of Sharon, Debbie, and Karen

And the cutting edge of Melissa, Melinda, and Melanie,

(Our moms are Shirleys and Carolyns, Marys and Jeans)

In high school we were sluts, prudes, or cock-teases. No other options.

Later we were called bitches if we expected to be treated like adults

Or ambitious by people who didn’t use words like bitch

(but meant it anyway)

Now we’re middle aged, and nobody calls us much of anything

Besides Ma’am.

Some of us answer to Mom, Mommy, Mama, Mom.

Very few of us to Hey Mama, Smile For Me Mama, or Suck My Dick, Mama

And yeah, some of us are Grandma now.

You used to call me pretty girl, and I liked it.

Now you mostly use my name, and I think I like it even better,

At least the way you say it.