I am not threatened
By acknowledgement.
By a man’s smile
Or hello or nod.
I am not frightened
By friendliness.
I am threatened
By the predatory belief
That I am prey,
To be hunted and trapped.
Men tell men
That persistence is key.
That if I say stop,
I mean push harder.
The goal
Is to wear me down
But I am already worn,
And it has only
Made me wary.
It makes me wonder
If that “nice guy”
Is expecting
My body or heart
As a reward for being
Such a “nice guy.”
I am threatened
By the
Looks
Words
Touches
That scream in my face
That my consent is
Unnecessary.
I am threatened
Because men
Have heard women’s voices
Say, “Please stop
Your words affect us
They hurt us
They infringe upon us”
And they have chosen
To continue.
Men have replied
“It is just words.
You are too sensitive.
You want us silent.”
Our consent means
Nothing.
Our stories of fear
Are dismissed.
They see no difference
Between a smile and
A comment on “That ass.”
Their opinions
Mean more to them
Than my life.
And I am tired.
I am threatened.
I am afraid.
Author: Tasha Mapes
Email: [email protected]
Author Bio: My name is Tasha and I am a twenty-eight year old, asexual woman. I was born in California and now live in England as a dual citizen. I have been writing since I was a child and have self-published a poetry book named ‘Changes’. I have a cat and a bearded dragon as well as other family pets.
Link to social media or website: http://tashamapes.com
