Each time I open my mouth

The rotation of earth slows

And my throat begins to close

Pain shooting into my chest.

Have you ever known what it was like,

Living each day degraded for what you hold close?

When the hatred of the world is so close,

When each hit comes a little too close.

A word of disgust, "feminist." 

If I had a shield for each time I was sent dagger eyes, I would not be protected still.

Left on my knees, gasping for air, black and blue.

I try to refuse,

Never expecting respect,

how could I let my fury go through the roof?

Still I am pushed, and pushed, until looking over the edge,

I fall.

Have you ever been degraded for what you hold close?