We’re all just microscopic ants, really
crawling all over the vast earthy expanse
Someone falls off the face of the earth
Every day, every second; Who knows, who cares
other than a shovelful of other ants…
Does anyone care what I think? Read what I write?
Will anyone notice me, if I step out as just me?
Maybe not. Maybe people see right through me.
Unless, unless… I defy the current
The tidal wave that seeps through generations.
So how do I defy? Flow against the current.
Yesterday I got up and roamed the streets
Wearing all of my clothes, all at once,
and I didn’t care for people’s frowns and stares.
What’s the point, you ask? I was noticed.
A desperate plea for attention,
To send a message with a specific intention.
To some in my part of the world
who justify rape, on the kind of clothes worn
Say the woman ‘asks’ for such lecherous attention:
Was I not noticed enough? Jeered, laughed at?
But I was seen as a freak, and those women as opportunity.
Difference lies in perception.
The women who wanted to be heard,
and the pleas heard, of a woman silenced.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
This poem written for Poetics at Dverse, where the prompts are twelve portraits on ritual and costume by Phyllis Galembo. I must admit I went in a different direction, but I was led by the photo to this rather sinister topic.
amazing write!
“To some in my part of the world
who justify rape, on the kind of clothes worn
Say the woman ‘asks’ for such lecherous attention:”
Rape culture is strong. It’s really sad how most look
at harassment and sexualization of women as “normal.”
it’s so common, people act like it’s a problem to make an argument about it!
Like it should be kept behind closed doors… That is one of the biggest problems
in society… And one of the worst things anyone could say is she “asked for it”.
I could go on and on about this topic… Once again, amazing!
LikeLike
It’s not normal at all, and it’s not at all to kept behind closed doors. Thank you so much, Anthony for your kind comments… I’m glad you feel so strongly about this…
LikeLike
Definitely took a bit of a sinister turn, as you say, but an interesting take on the picture and the subject matter — worth rereading several times. Glad you posted this.
LikeLike
The sinister turn came quite out of nowhere I must say. Thank you so much, Laura.
LikeLike
An excellent poem, indeed. I remember getting a very tough argument with a lecturer on my law degree about women ‘asking for it’ by the way they dressed. And strangely, I was only reading today about how hard it is to swim against the tide, be different, and not care how others respond. Yes, this took a dark turn, but isn’t that how life sometimes goes, when we try to be different? A very interesting piece – and wonderfully written.
LikeLike
Yes, no predicting what the turn will lead to. There’s still a long way to go from swimming against the tide to making a point across. Stronger, or several more hands to beat the current, to start with!
Thank you so much for reading and commenting..
LikeLike
You are very welcome, Madhura.
LikeLike
ugh. to justify their own wanton desires, she asked for it
its rather disgusting…strong piece…and bold…
its sadly not just your country where this happens
LikeLike
That’s true, not just my country where is happens, sadly. It’s just rather staring in our faces here at this time.
People may not come out and say it directly that she asks for it, but it’s certainly what they are thinking, if they see the girl dressed inappropriately.
Thanks Brian…
LikeLike
I hate that rape culture and mindset from men that our clothes asked for “it” ~ Perhaps its better that we go unnoticed then ~ In another culture though, it would be challenge to go against the current or tide ~ Enjoyed your interpretation ~
LikeLike
In a culture such as mine, going against the tide would meet a hell lot of resistance indeed. I hate that such a society has brought us to feel like it’s better to be invisible, locked up in our homes, or venturing out fully dressed, only during the day. I hate that it’s reduced women to this, in an age which screams women empowerment.
I think even I can go on about this! Thank you for commenting, Grace!
LikeLike
Nobody ever asks to be raped… that’s such a misconception. Powerful piece.
LikeLike
Yes.. no one is ‘asking’ for ‘it’.. Thanks for commenting, Laurie.
LikeLike
..this applies to bullying too…well done!
LikeLike
Yes it does!! Thanks, Katy! 🙂
LikeLike
Ohh.. A sensitive topic touched upon nicely.. Showing the plight of the opposite sex.. A question that goes unanswered still ‘are we really free’
A powerful one indeed 👍
LikeLike
Maybe not… maybe no one really is ‘free’, by the terms of such society. Thank you, Aditya! 🙂
LikeLike
Powerful writing on an issue that is downplayed in society..I am with Laurie no one asks to be raped and no one has the right to commit such a crime against another.
LikeLike
I agree too, of course. And you’re right, it is quite downplayed in society, as people just don’t think it is that important.
Thanks for reading and commenting!
LikeLike
people who take a stand change the world
LikeLike
That’s true! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
LikeLike
Real sensible thoughts put into words! Very well written! I agree completely with what you say!
LikeLike
Thank you so much Sharvil! I’m glad so many people here feel strongly about this! 🙂
LikeLike
This took an unexpected route – but such an important story to be told.
That line was especially chilling:
But I was seen as a freak, and those women as opportunity.
LikeLike
Yea I know… Suddenly changed track… Thanks so much for commenting, Marina.
LikeLike
It truly is a tragedy that, too often, someone’s worth is judged by the clothing that they wear.
LikeLike
It is. In fact, no one has the right judge this kind of worth for any person! Thanks for commenting, Bryan! 🙂
LikeLike
Starting from the visual art you take your readers further – making it a great journey throughout your words.
LikeLike
Thank you so much for the kind words, Abhra 🙂
LikeLike
A powerful message in your poem that left me thinking about many things. Just read an article from a man on Hubpages. He had no problem saying that although rape is not right, women bring it on themselves most of the time by how they are acting or what they are wearing. He just didn’t get it. Left me furious!
LikeLike
Wow. That leaves me furious, too. People just don’t get it! Thanks for commenting, Linda…
LikeLike
Powerful… you carve the two lines simultaneously: the search for your identity and distinctive self and the society’s perception and judgement. It is a pity that even to this date, the mindset of many people has hardly changed.
Great writing… I liked your poetic voice along with your gentle but scrutinizing words. 🙂
LikeLike
I wait for the day when people stop not just saying such things, but thinking it…Thank you so much, Anmol…
LikeLike
ugh.. that’s so tough… it is sick to excuse rape with the clothes someone wears… those men should rather take over responsibility for their sick way of looking at things….grrrr
LikeLike
I know… it angers me too… Thanks for commenting, Claudia…
LikeLike
This is really intense and compelling. And the end took my breath away.
LikeLike
Thank you, Kelly! 🙂
LikeLike