Low Price

Poem by Maddy Allardyce

They sell me agency for the low

low

price of just £20 a bottle.

Self-expression!

Hours of my life dedicated to beautification,

painting confidence,

until they tell me that I can have it all.

Girlboss!

I choose the lipstick shade ‘corporate’​

so men in suits take me seriously but

won’t think I’m a slut.

Feminism!

I’m told it’s a choice.​

They sell me autonomy on tea towels,

phone cases, overpriced t-shirts.

The Modern Woman!

She can change nappies and

become CEO all for a low

low price.

Title art by Nima Babiker