catcalling
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“You owe it to me”
He says, with a genuine tone
“Come with me girl
Keep me company
Don’t you leave me all alone”
“No”
Momma always tried to take care of me
She would say “wear longer shorts”
Or check if my black leggings were dark enough
the thick, hot air hit my skin as i stepped outside
as i walked to my dads car, the serence silence was interrupted by whistles and hollers
i look up to see a car driving away filled with men much older than me
Predatory glares in her direction since she was eleven
By men old enough to be her father,
Turning safe places into distressed memories.
Hey!
Hey You!
I love you!!
Does my love show!?
Look!! My heart just glows!!
Hey! Have you seen my smile!?
Isn't it clear how I feel for you!?
Don't you see the affect you have on me!?
The first time I was catcalled I was 14 years old, wide-eyed and terrifiedRiding my bike home in the cold,My suburban oasis was merely a mirage
The girl walks home,
alone at night.
Her red hood is pulled over her ears,
to cover any howls she might hear.
She is greeted by unfriendly wolves on the street,
"You should smile more," he says
I remain silent, now on edge, awakened
I pray my silence will be matched in return
Unfortunately for me, I am quite mistaken
"C'mon sweetie, why don't you smile for me?"
That girl you just made derogatory comments to,
Doesnt want you.
She didn't dress in any way for you.
Although it probably doesn't shake her,
As young girl she's had heard it too
"Oh, baby! What I'd like to do to you!"
What'd you think that'd make me want to do?
I wish I could let out the anger in me,
but I know that it's safer to just let it be.
As I walk by, I feel as I want to squeal
Their harsh starting, harsh words, harsh motions towards me
"Hey baby", whistling, their disgusting ways
Always I want to ignore them
Always I walk faster, to try and escape
I crossed the street in search of my campus' Panda Express
and a car rightfully yeilded.
As I passed, the car drove closer and slowed
and a young man, though older than myself, poked his head from the back window.
They whistle and howl
Am I just a piece of meat?
Faster, wolves devour
Note to Reader:
I am a woman.
I expect to able to walk down the street and not fear for my safety.
I am a woman.
“Boys will be boys”, they say
As if somehow their biological makeup is an excuse that allows them to comment on my cosmetic kind
As if what hangs between their legs allows them to get in between mine
I know it's hard to hear the constant advances of suitors,
to hear their cat calls day in and out.
I know it is
At least I'm sure it is.
But that doesn't stop me from wondering what it is like to be noticed
