“Don’t Come In” [by Angela Ball]

Angela Ball

Don’t Come In

         I prefer the sign “No Entry” to the one that says “No Exit.” – Stanislaus Lec

If for you, women are toy cars
whose wheels you strike
on the ground to make
them go; if for you, women
are tea towels at the feast; if you stand by
as women are swept from the path,
don’t approach. In our inviolate
land we fly ruddy gliders;
press oil from impossible fruit; derive power
from waves. At any moment
our silk turbans may become
volcanoes; our slippers,
submarines.

— Angela Ball