Armor

There are spikes on my shoulders

and studs on my belt.

I see rings made of metal arrows

and daggers dangling from fragile throats

on delicate chains.

When did fashion become our armor?

Look, but don't touch

is the message we give today,

but no one ever reads the warning signs,

and some people think our blood red lipstick

is an invitation.

It is our fault, we are told,

that we are distracting

despite the ideas we are sold,

that are stuffed down our throats.

They teach us how to pull them in

and then berate us for wanting to push away.

That's why you never hear about the

princess who slayed the dragon.