My Poems

Not All Men

    The first thing women learn is that if a boy hurts you, it's just because he likes you.
    The second thing women learn is "boys will be boys!" and we mustn't complain.
    The third thing we learn is that we are a distraction. Always cover up your shoulders and knees, god forbid they see a bra-strap!
    The fourth thing we learn is that men are superior, and they must always get what they want.
    The fifth thing we learn is to keep our mouths shut. We know nothing. We are just moody objects, and the moment we defy them, we have silently agreed to be called "bitch", "attention whore", and get told we're just emotional because we're probably on our periods.
    And yet, if we even hint at insulting them, they have a meltdown.
    We learn that we are nothing compared to men.
    We are their entertainment, their slaves, their . . . things.
    What we learn from an early age is how to protect ourselves, how to protect each other.
    Pepper spray
    Don't make eye contact
    Cross the street and find a group of girls
    Are you okay?
    I think he's following me
    We learn that if we get raped or molested, it doesn't matter if we're wearing pants and long sleeves or booty shorts and highheels. It's still our fault.
    We should have worn less provoking clothes
    We should have fought back
    We should have said no
    We should have told someone
We did. We did, and you didn't do a damn thing about it.

    Here's to the girls who can't close their eyes without feeling invaded
    Here's to the girls who are afraid to walk alone, even in broad daylight
    Here's to being sent home to change, because education obviously isn't as important as they say
    Here's to being told over and over that we clearly want it.
    Because society listens more to the clothes I wear than the words I speak, the words I yell and scream to their face.

    "It's your fault!"
    Yes, it's our own goddamn fault we're treated like objects instead of humans
    "Not all men!"
    No, not all men. But enough men.