Been propositioned and harassed
not swooned and gently caressed
but pushed and backed up against the wall
and yes, just for the intention of unwanted sex
You too?
I never thought I would see the day
you’d be here like me, all these years later
ready to confess that the hurt still haunts
with bad memories that have never completely
faded or washed away
For a while, I kept thinking it was because
of something I did wrong just trying to get along
at a place I knew had to go each day because
I had no choice, just like you, I had bills to pay
Then, one night I realized in an epiphany
that I hadn’t really done anything
to be the cause of what had happened to me
So, why should I alone shoulder all the guilt and blame
when I was just another victim of workplace bullying
But oh, I forgot, back then it had no name
You see, nay sayers and non-believers forget that we live
in a world full of over achievers, those who feel it’s always
their right to have it their way even when NO is the repeated
answer given to their continued unsolicited advances
Some find it so easy to speak and judge what others do when they
haven’t had to walk through the door in those same muddy shoes
And there was no such thing back then as “date rape”
because if you were out there by your own volition
the court of popular opinion would quickly take the
closed minded position that no matter the circumstances
of any situation…you must have brought it on yourself
not understanding something like I was once surprisingly told
That I had better just “act” right so things could “go” right for me
on that warm and starry summer night…. Now, I didn’t make that
dirty bed on which someone tried to force me to lay, nonetheless it
had already been decided it should become my painful fate that day
My only hope and prayer then was that I could just say “No”
and somehow be allowed to safely walk away…but that was then
Now, in the movement, we have come forward in number and are
stronger as we will no longer keep silent and be intentionally ignored
standing wearily behind in the shadows of the stained darkened doors
because the curtain has now finally been drawn on what was once
secretly done and then discreetly hidden while not being considered
taboo or necessarily strictly forbidden
And, of course, no one can change the sordid facts on any of these acts
but the script has now been rewritten, freeing the once voiceless victims
who have come from behind and stepped up because “times up” and now we’re here sharing our truths …and by all means …Yes, you can too!

By Patrice Smith, EC Poetry & Prose Member

About the Author

Patrice Smith, a lifelong resident of the Washington DC area, long-term educator and astute observer of the human condition, has melded her experiences to become both a poet and a spoken word performer.
In 2016, she released her first collection of poetry, Iris’s Eyes – Poetry for the Mind, Heart and Soul. The collection is the culmination of a lifetime of aspirations, inspirations, and experiences. Patrice’s first publication was quickly followed by a second volume, The Drum That Calls, and later Visions and Voices, a collection of poems and music from the two books.
One of Patrice’s greatest joys has been to share her poetry and spoken word in performances throughout the area. She has been published in the Sailors Review Art and Music magazine, the Marietta Museums Quarterly Newsletter and, most recently, in Anthology of Poetry by Maryland Bards. Patrice’s poetry and her performances exude passion, compassion, and power. Read her work and you will understand why she has been given the moniker “Poetic Blaze”.

Feature Photo by Polina Tankilevitch

---

---

---

---