Joanne Macias

Joanne Macias is a multi-disciplinary creative, having featured in both online and print publications which includes Living Stories, Best of Times, The Sour Collective, Two Wolves Digest, Short Stories Unlimited, Roi Fainéant plus many more. She loves finding interesting ways to challenge reader perception through unique scenarios in everyday settings. She embarks on her first residency in Ireland in 2025 where she will complete her first poetry collection. You can follow her adventures at @joanne_macias_writer 

Easy read of the poems in the images above:

If I were a man

If only I were a man, it would be fine.

I would never have to draw the line

where I knew my body best,

and my fears were heard.

I would never have to draw the line,

if the doctors chose to care

and my fears were heard -

But that’s the joy of being a woman.

If the doctors chose to care.

If only I were a man, it would be fine,

but that’s the joy of being a woman

where I knew my body best.

*Conditions Apply​

I come from a time where 

I am told should be grateful for everything my body can do. 

I come from a time where I know 

this is only true if I am petite. 

I come from a time where 

body image was linked to my worth. 

I come from a time where

I am constantly reminded to love my body.

I come from a time knowing that being plus sized

requires me to be covered up to obscurity. 

I come from a time where 

everyone assumes I am plus sized due to bad choices. 

I come with an attitude knowing they don’t know my story

and they should keep their mouth shut. 

I come from a time where 

I am encouraged to look after my health. 

I come into this knowing

I will receive subpar care because I am a plus sized female. 

I come from a time where

I am judged on my appearance. 

I enjoy coming from a place where 

I can make them feel insignificant when I surpass them and succeed. 

I come from a time where

people should know better. 

I am wise enough to know 

that will never be the case.