I can feel the stares.

Not shy glances

Not admiration

As if looking at a piece of art.

 

These are stares.

Obsessive stalking

Predator and Prey

Ready to pounce

 

My baggy sweatpants

Big black shirt that billows around

My ribs in the wind

These make better armor than any chain-mail.

 

If you cannot see my breasts

Maybe

I will be able to walk thought the street

Without my heart pounding.

 

I am the prey.

 

They say to hit up to break his nose.

They say that he wants my purse

More than he wants my body.

My life shouldn’t depend on a can of Mace.

 

I cannot shed what I was born with

I cannot hide forever

I will not show weakness

I will not be afraid.

 

I will never be afraid.

 

I will wear

Black stilettos

The heel sharp enough

To kill.

 

I will wear tight shirts

And tank tops

That show off the muscles

I can crush a skull with my arms.

 

 

 

My lipstick

Is as dark and red as blood

I will wear it

With a smile.

 

Do not call me baby

Do not call me sweetie

I am a woman

And I am proud.

 

I will stop being afraid.

 

I will start being powerful.

 

I will remind you every day

That I am a threat too.

Until you stop treating me like prey

And start treating me like a person.