Latina Rebel

After emerging from the shower
She looks in the mirror and states:
“I still have lipstick on.”
And the memories of last night flood in
The dancing, the joy, the laughter.
And for the first time in a while
The sense of belonging – finally.

Read More
PoetryJulia NusbaumComment
I Am Not/I Am

I’m not the girl who looks like she stepped out of a magazine. I’m not tan, my hair isn’t long and blonde, my teeth aren’t sparkling white, and I’m not what you would consider “skinny.”

Read More
Thirsty

How many times have I dreamed of a Daddy?
A man with a plan, a love of his family,
A man who would care; a father who’s there,
Who would guide me and love me, maybe even hug me
Who’d share his drink, teach me to think

Read More
A Womans Work.

The idea of being a feminist is not new to me.
I was destined to be one, or perhaps that was the most
shocking thing I could have become.
Having grown up in the South where everything was all
etiquette and lady like. Where my father lorded over my mom
as if she were property, an indentured servant of sorts,
destined to do his dirty, his emotional work,
his housework,
his all work.

Read More
PoetryJulia NusbaumComment
Madison

I was certain I’d never see him again. We had moved to different states. Remnants of him remained in my life; an autographed birthday present, spirit-wear from not-my-college, low self-esteem, anxiety.

Read More
PoetryJulia NusbaumComment