Dear Men

Dear men, Explain to me why I stand alone. Women are quick to uplift their father, sons, and brothers Quick to maintain the home, But when she needs support, A woman stands alone Explain to me why a woman has to stay in her “place” Is there no room for a woman who is more than a pretty face? Is there no room for a woman who can stimulate you intellectually Or is it a woman’s only duty to please you sexually? Explain to me why beating a woman gives you power It gives you strength Is masculinity so fragile That you can’t maintain? Without getting pleasure from pain Explain to me why your brother goes scott free When he takes advantage of a woman While she is left to be ridiculed, blamed As society throws dirt on her name And she falls victim to her own demise. I despise The men who are so oblivious to their own privilege That they think patriarchy is normal Excuse my language As I speak a bit informal For you to understand That you cannot catcall me as I walk down the street It’s disgusting and demeaning No I am not obligated to give you my number Just because you ask and think you are getting a pass at me No I don’t need you to hold the door open or carry my groceries I am a strong, independent woman and your belief that I am weak Is insulting No I do not have to give you my body just because you bought me a drink My body belongs to me No matter what you tell yourself or think Dear men, You can no longer say that you are ignorant to my issues or my demands Because I have clearly listed it for you to see. Now only a real man Will know, that women deserve equity