This piece is about the fetishization of East Asian women.
TW: second verse/stanza
Don’t look at me
with those blue bred eyes
My ancestors cry
as you colonize my soul
because you adore my culture
Don’t touch my skin
the flesh too soft
for your rough assault
Exotic enough
for your submissive ideal
Don’t say my name
mispronounce every curve
of the vowels and consonants
Expect me to smile
at your “harmless” naivety
Don’t tell me my worth
and anticipate my gratitude
when your opinion is void
Submissively present myself
whenever you want me
Don’t give them your time,
your thoughts, your energy
No settling as a shiny, exotic token
Immerse in your own culture and
bathe in positive words unspoken
- Cathay Lau
Cover photo source: Laura Karp Lugo https://academies.hypotheses.org/1476