I don't want to be the women

Struggles with the male gaze

I don't want to be the woman who waits 

I don't want to be the woman who settles 

I don't want to be the woman who's life is written out for her but how do I escape the path of all the woman before me

I don't want to be the woman who regrets but I know that womanhood is regretting, I barely got to experience my youth before it became overripe for his tastes

I don't want to be the woman who preforms but I know he is watching even when the show is over 

I don't want to be the woman who screams but thats all my lungs seem to do 

I don't want to be the woman with the ghostly frame and scrutinizing eyes, watching, living through my daughters, waiting for her to fall in the same ways I did 

I don't want to be the woman who is afraid but that is what I am 

I am afraid of the man who will grab my flesh tearing it apart in his hands

I am afraid of the man who towers over me to look down my shirt 

afraid of the man behind me who gets a rise out of seeing me jump 

Afraid of the man who will only love me for my body 

Afraid of the man who told me I was far too old for him at 16

Afraid of the man who follows me at night 

I don't want to be the woman's womanhood is crushed by the man but I fear that is what being a woman is 

Author's Note

Hi!! i havent been on here in two years and i miss it! heres a poem i wrote in october

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Fear can destroy us. This is powerful and worthwhile poetry. It is sad. So much violence. Both men and women must be careful. I told my daughters. Make your own money, never depend on a man. They listens and they are doing well. We must be careful. Many kinds of people. Some are kind and some people. Just thieves in the night. You must be fearless dear Lydia. Allow no-one to hold you down. This is outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Waldock]

Thank you! I try to be fearless but life is scary sometimes

[Coyote Poetry]

Scary for me too dear Lydia. You must be brave and carry tear gas. You are welcome.