My Seat

On New Years Eve we had family over for dinner

We had pupusas, tamales, and panes rellenos

When it was time to eat all the men were at the table

The women were in the kitchen

I make myself a plate and hover around the table

My “woke” cousin said he felt bad that all the men were at the table

He felt bad I didn’t have a seat

Yet he didn’t get up

No one got up

And I didn’t say anything

And I realized this happens every year

All the women allow it

Machismo is passed down not just by men

Women pass it down and teach girls to put up with it

I’m done with that

Next year I’m taking my fucking seat