Let it Burn


sexual-assault

Photo courtesy of hookingupsmart.com

Today was supposed to be a good day.

I woke to the sun shining and thought everything would be ok.

I walked outside and a wrench kissed it all away.

There was anger in their faces and the words of pure hatred.

“How could he do this? I know him!” they chanted.

I was raised to think before I speak—to look both ways before crossing the street.

I was raised to be respectful and not share all of my goodies.

Today my heart hurt a little.

I wished I could undo what I said— but the words were in the air, strapped down with cement.

I wore the scarlet “A” and labeled a whore because I didn’t lie down and scream “more!”
Today it replayed in my mind the day I drank too much wine and passed out in a house that wasn’t mine.

I woke up to a  room I didn’t recognize.

It smelled of stale sex and cigarettes.

Someone touched me and I tried to shout for help.

A quick hand over my mouth and whispers of “Don’t scream” as he entered me.

Tears ran down my face as I stopped fighting.

He was too strong and my body too weak.

As I look outside my door and see you all stand there—judging me.

I too blame me.
I blame myself everyday, because I didn’t try harder to scream.

One day something may happen to your neighbors,friends, daughters, homeless woman down the street.

I hope you don’t judge them the same way you judged me.