That’s what they keep saying
You’re hysterical
You’re insane for thinking women are still being
Oppressed
Yes, we can vote
Yes, they say we have a choice
Yes, rape is illegal
The laws say we are treated equally
But, is that reality?
Do we really have a choice
When it comes to a fetus over six weeks
When it comes to abusive relationships
When it comes to fighting for what the law
Says we can have
Do we really have a choice
When our fathers marry us off
Our mothers teach us
“Keep it to yourself”
“Don’t wear that outside”
Simply because sharing your opinion
Gets you in trouble
Simply because that half-inch strap connected to your tank top
Might get you raped
Simply because whenever someone reports a rape
They all ask
“What did she do to be in that position?”
Our mothers
They teach us how to be safe in the world
They teach us to cover up
Never go to the bathroom alone
Only walk the streets at night if you’re with a man
But is it really our fault?
Is it our fault for wearing a tank top
When the sun is pounding down on the earth
Our fault for taking public transportation
When we don’t have a car
Our fault for existing
Never their fault
Their fault for seeing a woman as
A form of pleasure
And not a human being
We’re hysterical
You’re right
I’ll keep it to myself
