Assumptions

When people look at me, they see a man.
Obviously I earn decent money
Obviously I have not been raped, let alone sexually harassed
Obviously I will demean women without a second thought
'Cause ain't I a man?

When people look at me, they see a white man.
Obviously I have not been discriminated against
Obviously I live only with other white people
Obviously I am dangerous
Because I am The Man, right?

When people look at me, they see a large white man.
Obviously my broad shoulders mean I'm strong
Obviously I have never been bullied
Obviously I eat too much fast food
What else do you expect from a large white man?

When people first hear me, they hear a normative large white man.
Obviously I am a Christian
Obviously I have a college degree, probably advanced
Obviously I'm socially involved
I must be as normal as an apple.

When people see me walk, they watch a normative, large, generally-healthy white man.
Obviously I am not in pain
Obviously I am not sick
Obviously I am mentally stable
I'm such a healthy, healthy man.

I have suffered in my life.
You have suffered too
and I will not deny your suffering.
That is my assumption.

I don't assume that you assume all of the above
but you may.
Some of your assumptions may be correct.
But.
Even if you know me
Even if you know me well
Even if you know for sure, I have one charge for you:

Question your assumptions.

Sonnet: Wild Hunt

On summer nights the whispered wind may tell a tale
Of revelry enticing e'en to jaundiced eye
When Moon is risen, full and lovely, bright and pale
The whispers come enticing like a lover's sigh
The Hunt! the Hunt! it twirls and dances in the night
With fey and graceful steps upon the darkened moor
No mortal eyes should watch immortals weaving light
To courtly wild music on an earthen floor
What blandishments will lure unwary mortals near?
The fey may know, but with a wink they'll never tell
Can dance and passion overwhelm true love's veneer?
Or does it only take the tired in its spell?
Enticement and allure are in its many charms
But never will the Hunt protect from worldly harms.

(no subject)

Found by tigerbright. Has a few written mildly naughty words (by modern standards). I heartily endorse the sentiment here.