The world is a scary
place for men,
he said.
Yet all the while...
Don't go out
after dark we say,
or go to a bar
by yourself.
And never hike
alone in the woods.
In fact,
we add,
let's just say:
don't walk alone,
dance alone, or
drink alone
either.
And don't smile
in his direction,
or make
eye contact
that could be misunderstood.
And by all means,
don't wear that skirt,
that dress, those heels,
or that fire engine red
lipstick
or you are
definitely asking for it.
And come to think
of it, don't wear a
ponytail
he can grab.
Or walk through
a parking lot
without car keys
in your hands, and
never, ever
leave your drink
unattended.
And while we're at it,
let's be sure you:
don't give out
your address
or your phone number.
And don't go to
his apartment,
or let him
come in your door.
And never take his car
when you go out,
or drink
more than one.
And this holiday
season, don't sit
next to that uncle
at Thanksgiving,
or find yourself
at home
with Mom's new
boyfriend.
And never, ever
find yourself
alone with
that teacher,
that professor, or
that boss.
And by all means,
never forget
to leave home
with enough cash,
enough pepper spray,
enough mace, and maybe
even
a loaded weapon-
licensed to carry of course.
In fact,
my beloved
daughter, maybe
don't ever imagine
the privilege
of what
it would feel like
to be
safe and protected
in this world.
No,
please don't
imagine
that.
And don't ever
wonder
what it would be like
to walk carefree
down the street,
with a sense deep
down inside
of being open
and free.
Because--
and this is really important--
you must remember:
it will always be
your fault.
Yet all the while...
The world is a scary
place for men,
he said.
-Me
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