Being a woman

is thrust upon you.

You walk under stars and suddenly

casually,

make a fist in your pocket and

hold your key—like

a weapon.

It is keen awareness

of fabric length,

and clenched assessment

of skin, padlocks, mirrors, stopping cars,

of home routes, and drink offers.

Being a woman is weighing

the chances of a stranger

becoming a husband

—or a murderer.

Or both.

Is womanhood to forgive

yourself, for the sins of others?

Maybe so.

But lately, it is also:

golden eyeshadow,

lungful of laughter

over a plate of dinner

with my sister.

Arielle G. Calañas

Arielle G. Calañas graduated magna cum laude in BA English (Creative Writing) from the University of the Philippines Mindanao. Her previous works have been published in Dagmay, and in Rabbit, a journal for non-fiction works and poetry in Australia. Calañas is based inCatalunan Grande, Davao City, Davao del Sur.