I was six the first time a boy told me he loved me,
pressed a little red note into my hand and kissed my cheek
We made our vows of marriage, and divorced within a week

I was eight in Spain when a boy of twelve
showed me his fake tattoo and kissed my hand on a stairwell
We shared mocktails in a bar where monkeys performed on chains

I was twelve when a man first showed interest in me
Whistled at me as I sat on my porch in leggings and sandals
Devouring an ice pop, juice dripping down my chin

I was sixteen when a boy first touched me
called me a ***** and placed his hands on me
I told nobody for three years

I was eighteen when a man first placed his hands round my neck
apologised because I didn't 'like it rough'
We'd only ever shared a cigarette

I was nineteen when I heard I was beautiful
And for the first time ever it sounded real
For the first time ever I felt loved