If men had a curfew lives would change in many ways But there’s some setbacks to the attempt of fun outside When I’m not with muscular friends past a certain time of day I’m told to cover up my bra strap because the boys become distracted Since “boys will be boys” reigns and girls pretend to be attracted What if I could eat a burger in a bar without the need to feel guilty about my diet And when I’m asked if I think I’m fat I say no, because it’s fishing for compliments to deny it I’m told that I should be complacent and dress nice by a man three times my age And scolded by society because it’s unladylike to be in a fit of rage I could go outside and gaze at the dance the stars know so well But I sing along with the peculiar song of that familiar cautionary bell What if I could go out with friends past eight PM and explore the bright! Happy! world Stagger through life in heels with our wit sharpened and eyelashes curled No, I have to spend my time hidden “safe” inside From men who think there’s no more to me than what they can see with the naked eye This has happened ever since I turned the ripe old age of 13 Because there’s some people out there on the streets Whom it would be an injustice to only be described as mean I could walk out to my car without my hand poised with my keys as if they were a knife And not have to worry about how a short low-cut dress could harm my life (Me too) It could be worse! They say, for some reason with such force. But since when was my safety A cause for discourse?
I had to write a poem for my 10th grade english class on my relationship with society. I took the opportunity to make something great that I cared about and I hope that everyone can take some time to appreciate it