"She should have known better." "She had it coming for her." "It's just a joke." "And you're just sensitive."
You're ignorance glazes over your words Like paint. Thick, glossy, and shiny Words covered with a gentle haze Of misunderstanding.
Hearing those words Of un-acknowledged shaming And saddening victim blaming Stabs straight through my numbed Soul.
But you know what? I'm glad you are blinded by your Ignorance ever so blissful. I am glad you cannot see How misguided your word can be. Because that means That you have not experienced The Horror Of being sexually harassed.
Because if you had the opportunity To feel that kind of Helplessness. Terror. Agony. Violation. Degration.
Then you would have never said She could have prevented it.
And I thank God up in Heaven That you have never experienced That kind of pain.
This poem was inspired by a conversation with one of my closest friends. We're both very passionate about the hurt and triggering effects of victim-blaming, both against women and men. I love you, Sam.