If Narcissus Was a Woman | Charley Mintz

If Narcissus was a woman 

they wouldn’t let her lie 

They’d steal her from the shoreline 

before they’d let her die

If Narcissus was a woman 

who enthralled all who saw 

They’d call her “Witch” and throw her 

to her knees before the law

If Narcissus was a woman 

Mother’d point and shake her head 

Don’t be like her, she’d say 

a whore, she’ll soon be dead

If Narcissus was a woman 

the men would all oppose 

How dare she be a tease, they’d say 

a queen to be deposed

If Narcissus was a woman 

would we still have an Echo? 

Who loved so deeply and completely 

without will, lust, or ego?

If Narcissus was a woman 

would we still have the word? 

Or would the language change 

a different name be heard?

But if Narcissus was a woman 

we wouldn’t give a fuck 

Myths aren’t about the women 

so she’d be out of luck

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Charley Mintz is a political science major at UAlbany, which tends to seep into their writing. They enjoy reading, spending time with their cats, and shaking trees so snow lands on their sister.