When Words Fail
I’m not known to be disagreeable
But this I must confess
If you dishonor me
I have daggers in my dress
These words are my daggers
So, boys take heed!
I’m a prickly woman
Don’t make an object out of me –
Did you not hear me?
Did you not understand?
It shouldn’t have taken me
Slapping you three times
Each time –
With
Greater
Force
For you to –
Stop
Touching
My
Breast
There was never an invitation
I think you mistook my politeness
For something
It most certainly was not
I don’t care about how many beers you had
Or if I looked “really hot”
I don’t care that you were friends
With my boyfriend
How does that give you license?
And why did my words cease after you did this?
For years, all I carried was
Silence
I wish I would have told someone
I know I’m not the only one
And for some –
Metaphors are not
Poems are not
The word “NO!” is not
Or
A slap (or three) in the face is not
ENOUGH!
9 thoughts on "When Words Fail"
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Amen!
I agree so much!
This is really good.
Well spoken beginning to end.
And what Karen said !
I also love the image and end rhyme of “If you dishonor me/ I have daggers in my dress”
the force and clarity of this
reminds me of the great Irish
writer Edna O’Brien
Yes to daggers in the dress! Love this.
The me to movement in force
Great poem!
Preach!