The Wordsmiths Book 2021

Simply for Being a She Written in memory of Sarah Everard

I am a girl And simply for being a she I’m expected to get down on my knees And survive simple to please What about my own thoughts? What about my needs? Am I to be ignored Simple for being a she? My parents always tell me Don’t leave the house after dusk But what about my brother? Who returns long after he must I yearn to walk in the night To feel the evening breeze To watch the stars alight Relishing in the absence of fear Why am I told I asked for it? When I never spoke a word Don’t wear a skirt If you do, it becomes your problem But I was wearing a sweatshirt And pants that covered my bottom Even if he knows me Even if he thinks I don’t fear My dress is not a yes And face was stained by tears Even if I call her Why should I be careful? When it is not my fault

A friend I trust the most How can she reach me? While I’m far and all alone There was no one to save me There is no one to save me

There many never be anyone to save me But why did I need to be saved, at all? - She

Steff Chang

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