What's it Worth | Teen Ink

What's it Worth

May 8, 2024
By EmBray BRONZE, Dalton, Massachusetts
EmBray BRONZE, Dalton, Massachusetts
1 article 0 photos 0 comments

What's it worth:

What’s it worth, 

I'm a girl living in a man's world.

When I walk to the car, I wear high tops. 

Keep keys in between my knuckles, 

Check and see if someone is under the car.

For the fear that they cut me and I can barely crawl. 

Once in the car, check the backseat. 

For you never know what’s hiding, waiting to hurt me.

“Feel unsafe if you're alone” is what they teach. 

Make sure you wear something that covers everything beneath.

Boys will be boys. 

And girls will be shamed.

It's always her fault. 

While he's the it thing.

Don’t walk at night. 

Don’t walk in the morning. 

Don't walk alone. 

Don’t wear that skirt,

What is that dress?

But the heels—what are you, a stripper prostitute?

What’s with the lip gloss? 

I didn’t raise you to be this way.

My mother told me. 

Yet when she said,

These men will eat you alive. 

I thought it was a metaphor. 

What’s it worth,

I'm a girl living in a man's world.

I'm never free, 

It's always my fault. 

I am a womb in their eyes. 

But in mine, they’re a threat. 

What’s it worth? 

Living without dignity, 

Or to be trained to live without.


The author's comments:

Emersyn Bray, a 15-year-old from Massachusetts. Alongside her academic pursuits, Emersyn actively participates in three varsity sports and is passionate about poetry. Emersyn’s dedication to both her athletic endeavors and creative outlet is a testament to her well-rounded nature. She writes on various situations from non-fiction to fiction, focusing on complex scenarios as well as mashed with creativity.


Best regards,

Emersyn


Similar Articles

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 0 comments.