Judges on a Zoom Call

By: 

Wafik

Doss

A fictional scenario where two patriarchic editors are using zoom to toy with an upcoming writer.

Clearly, I see you scattering
Smirks across my screen. Serving
Little hints of inside jokes on the
Offset of a conversation. Trading
Smiles over my court, where I am
The defendant and the State. Looking
Through a static window and bars of
Dwindling connectivity. Interspersed with the sounds
Of obnoxious giggles from the judge
spurned on by the judgement’s executioner.
You look down at me under your noses and
Mask it with the pretext of a better connection.
You cackle at your own wit as if
The world expected your retorts, though need
I remind you at the end of this moment,
This remains my call.

My dignity is not your playground,
My dreams are not your toy.
My future is not for your entertainment, and
My words are mine alone.

So, while you cackle, and giggle, and smirk
Like jesters veiled in glass behind
A virtual sport;
Do not presume my silence for complacency, but
For the respect I’ve earned.

More from Poems

Heathrow Airport Toilets

Heathrow Airport toilets are composers: their overture is largo: Their instruments are the echoing footstep, the...

HOW TO BREATHE

This poem was written during lockdown last year. I am lucky to have my local park,...

Moments

Moments of connection were so precious and effort was made with a simple smile in unexpected...

Become a Member

Our Members are champions of literature. Their support makes our engagement work in schools and prisons possible and they enable us to celebrate literature in all its wonderful diversity. As a thank you, we give them all the joys of a literary festival and book club rolled into one, all year round.