Powerful Art

by Rose M. Salinas

Young, old, short, tall,
Blonde, brunette, big, small.
Doesn't matter, men want us all.

Once those magic words pass our lips.
"I am a belly dancer," I let slip.
Men reassess my charms, just can't resist.

Former disinterest turns to lust.
My head on their wall is now a must.
Drooling Neanderthals turned lecherous.

Judgmental eyes that couldn't see past "fat,"
recircuit image. Seems "voluptuous" is where it's at.
Total one-eighty! How do they do that?

I desire to be loved for who I am, that's good,
not stereotyped by director's fantasy or falsehood.
Thanks to all the misled fools in Hollywood.

I vow not to let ignorance or prejudice get me down
or give credence to lusting or preaching clowns.
Instead bask in the wonder of the sisterhood I have found.

I dance for myself, as do each of the others;
and afterwards, glowing beneath our modest covers,
we ignore the fools who fall at the feet of the Goddesses.

Because young, old, short, tall,
blonde, brunette, big, small,
this ancient art is power for one and all.

About The Poet

About Rose M. Salinas, in her own words (in 2004):

Hard to believe I submitted my first poem to Shira 7 years ago. Butterflies is still a favorite as it expresses my belly dance beginnings. I have since performed with Karen Barbee's Karavan Dance troupe in San Antonio, Texas, over the years and most recently with a troupe based in Maryland. I cannot begin to explain what this art has done for me physically, emotionally, and spiritually. The courage it has taken me to look at myself in the mirror and to perform on stage has blessed the rest of my life. I finally had the courage to leave a job I hated, to sell everything that did not fit in my car, and move from Texas to DC. Now I have a job I love and the time to enjoy the rest of my life. I have been able to indulge my other passions, such as horses and painting and even make money at both. Life is good!

ARTWORK CREDIT: The butterflies come from a commercial clip art collection.