a poem by Melissa-Marie Echevarria

As a female I shouldn't be afraid to take the subway alone in fear of a dunk man sitting next to me and attempt to touch me. I should be afraid because I might get lost.

As a female I shouldn't be afraid to walk home at night in fear of a man following me. I should be afraid because I might miss dinner.

As a female I shouldn't be afraid to wear my favorite yellow dress in fear of getting cat-called or raped. I should be afraid because what if it doesn't match my shoes?

As a female I shouldn't be afraid to wear heels in fear of a man thinking i'm trying to be sexy or looking for attention. I should be afraid because I might trip.

As a female I shouldn't be afraid to go on a daily run in fear of a man recognizing my schedule and attempt to kidnap me. I should be afraid because I just ate so many chicken nuggets and I might start to cramp.

As a female I shouldn't ever be afraid of a man because without us as a home they wouldn’t have been safe.

As a female I am strong, caring and smart. I am brave and I am kind. I love hard and care way too much. Just because his stare is hard and his hands are bigger.. we shouldn't fear men.

If anything they should fear us.

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