Being a woman comes with a set of expectations, and hazards. One of these is the knowledge of vulnerability, the fact that we are subject to attacks and assaults. Men approach us unbidden, and won’t leave us alone. So tonight, a poem about one of the aspects of being a woman - fear.

FEAR

 Walking home alone
After dark
On a silent street.
Should I make myself look small
So I don’t get noticed?
Should I make myself look big
So I don’t get bothered?
Is that a footstep?
I remember all the things they taught me
In those self-defense workshops.
Every year they told me the opposite|
Of what they said the year before.
Can I trust their wisdom?
Can I rely on my own?
A shadow under the street lamp.
A large shape.
Could be a trash can,
But there are no trash cans on this block
Could be a dog,
Or an ape.
How would an ape get to this street?
Walking home alone
After dark
On a silent street.
If anyone kills me,
Everyone will say it’s my fault.