If I were a boy I would have so much less fear I wouldn't always have to look behind my back And be wary of who I choose to keep near I wouldn't have to be scared about being assertive When the guy who's flirting with me makes me disconcerted
If I were a boy I could go out for a jog And run in a remote area I could go hiking and camping all alone And not have to worry About being ***** and murdered
If I were a boy I wouldn't have to question what clothes I wear Hiding myself under layers, Because I'm scared That I'll be abused and ravaged If I'm attrative
If I were a boy Reading the news about The **** and ****** of women Might not affect me as much as it does It wouldn't make me reconsider If I should go outside today, Ride my bike alone today Make sure the door is locked and the alarm is set So hopefully I can get my rest Without fearing for my life
If I were a boy Maybe I wouldn't imagine What it's like to be a woman Going about her life, Suddenly attacked by a stranger, Struggling for her dignity and then her life Dying under the crushing force of hatred in her killer's eyes
If I were a boy I wouldn't understand the reasons why a woman would be scared to be a woman.
This poem is dedicated to Karina Vetrano and Vanessa Marcotte, two women who were recently ***** and murdered only days a part.