I went out today,
to see a film.
I walked around,
and got looks from twisted men.
They looked at me,
from head to toe.
The eyed me,
like hungry crocodiles.
I was told by my friend,
so I retrieved my keys.
I put them in my back pocket,
a self defense technique ready.
As I went to the bathroom,
after the movie,
a man followed close,
two or three steps behind me.
I walk faster,
and rushed into the bathroom.
I didn't see him again,
though I still remember how I felt.
Why did I need to have my keys in my pocket?
Why did I, a thirteen year old girl wearing an oversized shirt, skinny jeans, and a pair of Converse sneakers,
feel unsafe?
Why must I practice self defense,
and clutch my keys whenever a man walks close to me?
Why must I be reminded,
of the threats a girl can face?
Why must I,
be constantly worried,
that me and my friends,
could end up dead on the side of the road?
Why must I,
no, all women,
feel unsafe?
YOU ARE READING
the city
Poetryand no matter how much you water scorched grass and withering weeds, you will never make a garden re-grow -M.R c.2016
