Stronger

Based on a real event.

I went out with a friend to see a movie - nothing unusual. But on the way home, something happened. I was harassed by a stranger while surrounded by people who did nothing. My friend said nothing. I felt frozen, disgusted, and confused.

I didn't realize it was assault until later.

This poem is about that night - the panic, the guilt that shouldn't be there, and the way fear lingers even when it's over.

It's called "Stronger" because that's what I kept telling myself to be. Even when I shouldn't have had to