Cosplay is not Consent
it is a dream
heat spreading in a welcoming hug
and light sparkling like crystals floating in the air
lace and cardboard float like clouds
as men, as women, as children
laugh in joy at fellow companions
sharing in their equal love.
It is a nightmare
heat bearing down in an oppressive weight
and light glaring blind all those trapped within it’s gaze
silk and rubber drag through the dust
as men, and men, and sometime women
leer at those who are garbed in laughter
taking love not their own
It is an insidious poison
as they are approached with friendly smiles
with bold eyes asking for a favor
just not the one they thought it was
as the leering men and women have them trapped
within the short embrace of their arms
reaching for parts they did not agree to
It is a parent’s fear
when they find their daughters in tears
when they find their sons drowning in anger
as men with cameras yell, and yell, and yell
at the “injustice” they have taken to protect themselves
from the many who wish to see what lies beneath
the art they have crafted for themselves
It has become a war
as more and more people become aware
of the dangers that lurk in these halls meant for fun
as guardians begin to move in righteous anger,
making rules for things they had thought obvious
they reach out, through a web of faithful followers
“Speak out
Speak up
BE HEARD”