I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to walk down the street
all too aware
of the men behind you.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to be in that situation
and immediately ask yourself
“How can you exit this?”

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to be suddenly self conscious
of what skin you are,
or aren’t
showing.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to be only fourteen
and already worried
about the men watching you.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to grow up in the type of society
that lets men look at you,
sexualize you
and be told that it is your fault
for not covering yourself.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to feel fear,
rational or not,
every time a man walks behind you.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to know that one day
you could be that person
who was obviously
asking for it.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to hear about all of these people
losing their battles,
being told that they are not victims of crimes,
being told that they
could have prevented it.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to know how ridiculous it sounds--
as if you could prevent
being mugged
while walking down the street.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to know that one day
you could be that person
to cause an online revolution
labeling you as someone’s
sister, daughter, etc.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to be given value
based on your relation with others,
rather than for who you are yourself.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to know
that you will always either be a
sl*t
or a
prude;
there is no inbetween.

I don’t think you quite understand
what it is like
to feel that the length of your skirt
determines your worth,
that you are nothing but an object;
if you don’t want to be a victim of a crime
that you might have no control over,
you must cover up.

So, when I am that girl in the paper,
or on the news
don’t say I was asking for it,
don’t say I should have covered up.

Just don’t
Say
Anything.

Because I don’t think you quite understand.