Silence

Rape isn't always dark alleys
and whistles
and pepper spray.
It isn't always
a stranger,
they don't always
look dangerous.
Whether it is
your boyfriend

or a caregiver
or your teacher
or your uncle,

or a step parent

or maybe even your parent
they are no longer on your side.
This is your attacker.
Do not be silent.
Do not be afraid to make a scene.
Whether it is a movie theatre
or a street corner
or your bedroom,
Yell, Scream, Curse, Bite, Spit
let no resonate from your lungs
so they cannot say they didn't hear you.
Send him home,
tell your parents,
tell your friends,
tell the police.
Rape is not always drunk men outside bars
or keys clenched between white knuckles.
Sometimes rape is silent.
Do not be silenced.

This poem is about: 
Me
My family
My community
My country
Our world

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