Asking for it

They tell us we are strong

then portray us as meek, 

ill-minded women whose

worth is measured by

the inches that we wear, 

the wear and tear upon

our skin hides the fire

within until our passion

is burned up by someone

who took it upon themselves

to light a match 

inside our hearts. 

The flames burn our feet 

with each step we take

towards freedom, 

leave ashy footprints

in our wake 

marking the path, 

starting at the point 

where 

'we went wrong.'

Who the hell has the right to tell us so?

If only we had taken a different route

if only you had paid more attention, 

been more vocal,

been more stubborn

been more 

if only I had been more aware

if only I hadn't been drinking

if only 

if only

if only.

Why is it always our fault

when we make a 'wrong' decision

and end up with our lives

tied to a past mistake

that wasn't just ours to make? 

Our voices are hoarse from the screaming, 

leaning on God and pleading with God

if only He would help,

if someone would help

if someone would recognize 

our silent cries 

and subtle screams 

because we are more than a 

statistic,

we are more than the 

clothing we wear 

and the decisions we make. 

We are more than 

a bad judgement call, 

all in when the going gets tough

but when we look around, 

we've only got each other

to hold us up.

We're down on our knees, 

practicing how to pray 

and how to play 

at the same f*****g time

because the rules in this

game seem to be 

'anything goes'

and the winner is judged 

by how many question marks

they have been able

to insert into someone

else's words. 

Author's Note

Inspired by
http://allpoetry.com/poem/12259903-Fire--by-decisionmade-adult#1151210148