they told her the sky’s the limit
but it was not long until her head hit the glass ceiling
they sold her products with claims of
instant weight loss blemish control irresistible sex appeal
but she still wasn’t good enough
they told her to square her shoulders and walk with a purpose
as confident as a man when believes he is right
but the catcalls still followed her as she walked down the streets
the sharp words hitting her back with intense pain
as she hurried away
jaw still set and head held high
they gave her constant reminders of how lucky she was
as only a few decades ago she would have been confined to the kitchen
her job at a law firm now a blessing
but still on the nights when she left work late and alone
she walked to her car with her key gripped tightly in one hand and arm outstretched
eyes scanning for any possible attackers
always at the ready to fight back
they warned her that sometimes boys will be boys
their actions excusable at such an innocent age
but it wasn’t only that one time at age 8
when he put hands on her
it was also that frat party in college
screaming no in a drunken slur
and that time her boss asked her to stay late
after everyone left for the day
oh and lets not forget that one boyfriend
she didn’t want to date anyone after him
they thought she would heed their advice forever
but she is beginning to learn
there is an alternative
a universe where simply existing is not exhausting
where no means no
and where it is not the women who have to change
but the society that accepts their mistreatment
and maybe someday they will begin to learn too
