Jennifer Elise Wang (she/they) is a non-binary femme in STEM from Dallas, Texas.  When she's not doing neuroscience research, she enjoys writing, dancing, and learning how to skateboard and snowboard.  She has been published in New Verse News, FERAL, Southern Arizona Press’ Dragonflies and Fairies anthology, Exist Otherwise, and ev0ke.  She can be found at facebook.com/jeniversewritings and @JeniverseAbr on Twitter.

beanie season

jennifer elise wang

The morning air bites at my knees, as I skate around the park. The wheels flatten the fallen leaves even more, and I dodge a stray twig. After an hour of pushing, ollie-ing, and grinding, my arms feel smothered in the hoodie, but I don’t want them exposed, just like how I used to dread the wind hitting my neck and ears. Then the dysphoria made me confront the cold head-on, but thankfully I have a secret weapon. When it’s time to go home and the helmet comes off, I put on a beanie over my buzzed head and dream of mountains instead of the beach.

Sleeves lengthen;
Shorts are traded for pants;
But my hair stays short.