THE BAKERY THIEF

Words by Milo Zhu
Visuals by Yoon-Ji Kweon

Illustration of well-dressed masculine figure about to eat several courses of sweets on a table

Note From the Poet: I wrote this poem to criticize the misogynistic men who sexualize others’ bodies, and the ways in which women are subjected to objectification. This poem references sexual assault and depicts some heavy topics that may bring discomfort. If you are in need of resources, please visit sexualassaultsupport.ca or endingviolencecanada.org.

Content warning: implied sexual violence.

You’re having fantasies again
expectations,
possibilities, perhaps
Skulls encrusted in sugar
Embezzled the holy recipe 
Called for the destruction of dignity

But you like that, don’t you?
You like indulgence
Damned dog scrolling down digital
directories
until you hit that sweet spot

And oh! Is it worth it? The bulging of
the eyes?
The blank state hypocrisy?
Pray to Father Gluttony 
You’re descending
It’s too late
The price of frosting on the cake
Stumbling scavenger
The spice and dice of the wake

Baked just for you
A crumb of destiny
What are you waiting for? 
Go get ‘em, darling!

Go! Go! Go! The buzzing voices bounce
Who likes meringue? Who wants a cookie?
Don’t tell me you’re the kinda guy who likes cookies
You’re special

You don’t get dejected by cavities
You’re a performer, a genius
you smoke satiety

Ding! Ding! Ding! The timer is up
The steam begins to cloud your bucket
full of cups
as the snow-powder clears, your eyes
drop red

Pick out your slice
and fill your head

At last, disappointment 
Was it all some kind of joke?
Doesn’t every lad get a plate?
Every poor bloke?
What fool are you to believe
in sweet-toothed, candy-eyed lies|
Only a fool would die for some goddamned
pies

Can’t stand it
Can’t look at their glossy sheens
It’s their fault, you tell yourself
licking your lips with a gleam
Grab a helping of your size
You’re going to take what’s yours
Mister Bakery Thief

You’re overcooked at the core.