Rewind The Classics Entries 2021

Mulan's Coming Out Poem

During the war, I got caught up in a whirl.

I had stepped out of my role as a girl. 

My manly disguise,

Had made me realize,

Why never fit in as a 'she',

And why it felt so much better to be called 'he'.

I was always different, that was clear to see,

But I had learned, that it was because I wasn't being me.

Now I'm scared how the country will be.

As a woman, at first, they didn't like me so openly.

When they realize I told them I was something I'm not,

The trust they gave me will begin to rot.

Despite the how these new feelings sprang,

I still have a love, for Lee Shang.

With my life all of track,

How will he ever love me back?

Will he accept me with open arms?

Or will I have to watch, as he gives some pretty girl, all of his charms?

Between my gender and my homosexuality,

How will the country ever accept me.

As I make my reflection match, the man inside,

I hope my country, and my family, and my love, will accept me with pride.

I am Mulan.

I am not your daughter, but your son.

And I hope you will love me as one.