If you cut my skin
There would be no blood.
Words would rush out
In a steady stream
All of the things
I've wanted to scream
In your face.

Your words have seeped
Into mine.

I've started
To believe the lies
And somehow,
I feel safe in subordination.
Safe in bottling up
Half of this oppressed nation.
Okay with the slap
Of a dominant hand
Because I am a brand
Of human
That they label
"She"