i have never been so afraid of a man
than i was when he first came onto me
we are told that attention and love are one in the same, that all is good, and all is pure
we are told that being complimented by a man is what makes our character
what makes us sexy
what makes us admirable
what makes us beautiful.
i was never afraid for my life until a man first held me at a party.
as he wrapped his arms around my waist i slowly felt the breath leave my lungs.
i felt empty and hollow and dirty.
"it was just a touch" they said, "he was just flirting" they said
but now i flinch every time a man goes to touch me.
he may not have hurt me and he may not have assaulted me
but i am still scared all the same.
YOU ARE READING
thoughtful
Poetrya collection of notes from my most vulnerable moments. please note mentions of self harm, suicidal thoughts, eating disorders/unhealthy nutritional habits, and mental illnesses may be mentioned. read at your own risk.
