'To Be Her', Raw Poetry for the Woman

What It Feels Like

Photo by Abimael Linares

How is it that today 
In this day and age 
Men still feel the freedom to attack me?

Get home from work and there they are, ready to devour me 
All I know I can control is the hiding of my body 
As I try hard not to show an inch that attracts or objectifies me
But it doesn't matter 
No matter how much I hide, your imagination survives 
Loud and clear through the lust in your eyes 

Sometimes I jog with the middle fingers up 
As I pass another man working outside his land ​

Laugh it off, I know it’s funny 
But I get some satisfaction from it 

​​I guess it’s simply the acknowledgment,
I see you 
The way you look at me 
I bet your daughter's think you’re a saint 
Perhaps your wife deems you worthy 
But all I see is a man who objectifies me 
Who wishes he’d undress me 
With every step you’re in me 
You disgust me

But I do nothing else because I fear you 
Because I know you’re stronger 

Despite the advancements the law still serves you 
I wish I could just curse you
I get angry when I feel your looks 
When you speak your mind and still, I fear to speak mine

How is it that today 
In this day and age 
After all the marches
All the fight 
Some of us are still in fear for our lives?

I ache because as I age I feel more afraid 
My sister’s growing up, and this is what’s ahead? 
What the hell are we fighting for? 
Why aren’t more men? 
The ones who still respect? 
​
They don’t understand how it feels 
Walking outside with fear 
A stronger, bigger, louder creature 
​
Why? Just why?

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by Jessica G Ferrer
Follow artist @jessicagferrer