In markets, in schools, in offices, in streets
In homes, in bedrooms, in safe havens
The fabled beasts roam free
They aren’t real -they bear no name, no shame,
We’re real -we cry, we bleed, we bear this sin,
Our dignity is splashed like blood on canvas
Our feelings torched so hell can stoke it’s fire
These beasts prey at night, at day,
They eat our flesh until bloodied and raw
They proceed to the eat chunks from our soul
So that it can never be whole again
Can you see our tears, can you see our haunted eyes?
Can you see our shaking, terrified hearts and limbs?
Can you see what they do to us?
Can you finally see us now?
Even then you expect us to smile, to dress up, to simper for you?
To be the best wife, lover, mother, sister, daughter to you?
To bear this burden, this fear, all alone?
To never let it show, to never let it out?
Can you finally see what we go through in our lives?
And even now you won’t protect us?
Even now you won’t speak for us?
Even now you won’t stand up for us?
Image by Alexandra Haynak from Pixabay
