The Peacock and the Spotted Beast 
( a piece about masculinity under Patriarchy)
A poem came along with this piece as I made it. I caught it by its tail and wrote it down. 
Little boy, is this the world you dreamed of?
When you went outside to play with toy soldiers and your water pistols did you dream of another way? Were you funnelled into becoming someone that you despise  in order to be considered a man in others eyes? The boys club that requires you to harden and to hate , the bearers of your future children and your beloved mate. 
Young man, Do you understand that Patriarchy creates the beast in you ? Because you’re only human, clearly boys cry too. Men are obviously emotional, just look at all the war, created by the little boys who are heartbroken and sore. Unable to express themselves except through violence and rage, and when depression comes along, suicide is the next stage. Violence turned in on oneself, the ultimate wail , against the system you knew as life , that kept you locked in manly jail. 
In time we’ll come back together but for now I’ll stay right here. 
You do the work , and I’ll cheer you on , with clear boundaries and no fear. 
A cotton robe with blue/ Silver cuff lining . Back decorated with a beaded leopard’s head . 
60” chest 
 Modelled by BAFTA winning poet , Dean Atta .