For Women

For women who walk with hope in their throats, 
Seeking safety in a man who will call her his own,
Who believe that their voices are hidden behind 
Some man’s adam’s apple, 
Some stranger’s warm eyes, 
Some paralyzing fear that means he loves her more 
Than her father or any other man who came before,
And lecherous devils who lay by her side, 
Who say that they know her, who say, “You are mine.”
And all ownership, authority, and power belongs 
To the one who will touch you when you feel alone, 
But his hurts, 
His hurts, 
His touch only hurts, 
And he claims you as nothing with just a few words.
Don’t believe his false fingers, his sore, lying hands, 
His threatening arms, his eyes that demand 
Your sacrifice, your honor, your heart and your body, 
Your innocence and charm, your grace and femininity. 
Your identity--
Identity lies not in he who corrupts your soft splendor, 
Your sweet sensibility.
You are not what some self-proclaimed god says you are,
Not a servant or slave to those who mean you harm.
No man who is great will ever be cruel,
No "kindness" will make you feel weak or the fool
Or unworthy or fearful of any other being.
Real men cause the blood in your veins to sing.