Raindrops ease from the sheen of a star-burst rain cloud.

A fog that screams unheard stories from throughout history.

I’m inclined to look away, but your hand touches mine-

Locked on what you tell me through dumb eyes

That speak with the power of a thousand women’s voices

Kept submerged under water and repressed, until now.

I’d never felt these shackles around my wrists and ankles.

I’d never felt the burden of eyes expecting me to be submissive.

I’d never felt my thoughts being drowned before finding air.

I scream…

     No!

It can’t be. I’m still under water-

Consumed by the condensed vapor in your eyes-

Wrapping and soaking me in their stories.

     Even if you heard me, would you stop?

The stories penetrate my psyche as I feel the change,

I want to escape and cave in within myself.

I feel violated as your hand squeezes mine to remind me,

     This is how I feel every second of my life.

     Do you understand?”

Yet, I look away in shame for so many reasons-

     For wanting to say, Yes,

     When, How could I?

Was consumed in only a moment.

Voiceless and entombed.

For being ignorant to this reality for so many years

I’ve carried a weightless privilege on my broadened shoulders.

How many times have I ignored muted screams?  

     NO!     

How many times

did I contribute to these abuses

by not noticing,

not saying a word,

or not defending?

And you let go,

As if to say,

     NO!

     You’ve missed the point!

I don’t need defending;

I need understanding-

You don’t-

You don’t have what it takes

To defend

Against the burdens and abuses that I face.