Boom!

Boom! Boom! Boom! 

The sound of my heart thuds louder

Walking never seemed so hard

But it’s dark and I’m alone, ma’s warning rings 

The streets empty except for a single man

Walking just a little too fast and close 

Boom! Boom! Boom! 

It’s hot, my shirt is short with no sleeves

The boys looking unwelcomed 

Their comments crawl on my skin

A jacket given because I’m the distraction 

My mistake for dressing comfortably 
 

Boom! Boom! Boom! 

Working late at the office again

The boss walks up everyday 

“Go back to the kitchen where you belong

Leave the work to the men” he spits 

Leaving, his eyes scan me up and down

Boom! Boom! Boom! 

Walking again, big mistake 

A group spots me this time 

Whistling and calling to me

Trying to ignore I pretend to call 

If I’m not alone they’ll lose interest 

Boom! Boom! Boom!

We work the same job, the same time

He brags about his pay 

We do the same thing, in the same place 

Yet the difference in our earnings is great

What makes him more qualified? 

Boom! Boom! Boom! 

The government says my body my choice

But takes the rights we deserve 

Old enough to drive, work, and vote

But not to decide if having a child is for me? 

Young or old, it is not my choice, but a man’s

Boom! Boom! Boom! 

As a woman, I’m supposed to be seen and not heard

Supposed to bow to a man’s orders

Supposed to not ignore, but indulge in their remarks

How can I submit to a man that can’t do the things I’m capable of?

Boom…Boom…Boom…

I will stand up to the injustices 

And talk back to the comments

For being a woman is to be brave 

To be strong and survive 

Until the beat of my heart no longer thuds, but beats with life