Ode to Male Gaze

I feel like a lot of men still have trouble understanding why so many women are intrinsically afraid of them, so this is my version of why.

I see you notice me,
Watch your gaze stop, your eyes sweep my body,
Devouring.
You’re trying to figure out how to get close,
And I want to scream if
you touch me I’ll implode
and pull you shrieking with me,
Because your eyes are hungry like his,
And your hands look rough
Like his,
And I would rather
shrink into myself
let my feet swallow my head,
self destruct with the awesome power of a dying star
winking out of existence,
Than lose my power to him again.

I’m sorry,
I know you’re not him,
And you don’t even look alike until
I see how your gaze skips my eyes, moving instead down my body and
your mouth,
Which is different but somehow the same,
And looks able to switch from sweet nothings to stupid c**t at the drop of a hat
When you lick your lips like that.

And if you try to speak to me
I know your words will be honey
until I refuse.
Then you’ll yell
(you always yell)
And I’ve had enough shouting for a lifetime.
So please,
don’t look
don’t talk
don’t touch.
Understand, I’m just trying not to
Burn out.

Reviews

[jcfrancis]

Wow, powerful stuff! Being a male, I've written thing similar to this from the other perspective. I had a line in mine that was something about walking along a fairly untraveled street at night and wanting to say "hi" to a woman passing in the other direction, but knowing it would put her in an uncomfortable situation. (I'm 6'5" and probably looked imposing just from my stature...) and wishing I had a giant neon sign above my head that blinked "harmless".
It's powerful to read the other perspective, one that I can only imagine. Thanks for sharing what is clearly a powerful poem! I hope it gave you a sense of peace/satisfaction writing it!

[E.Potter]

I really appreciate hearing a man's perspective on this! I was scared to post it actually, because I know this is a sensitive topic with a lot of people currently, but I also hoped it was clear that I was talking about what goes on in my head apart from others, not blaming men, so I went for it. I sympathize with your side, I've known "intimidating" guys who would do anything to help anyone. But this did help a lot to write, thank you so much for the feedback!

[fejia]

I like it. I can relate to it. :)

[Bee C.]

Wow, this is incredibly powerful. The emotions are rampant in this, and I found myself swept along by your words. This is still such a sensitive topic, but I think you've captured the feeling beautifully - the fear is absolutely tangible in this. It's so sad that this is such a common occurence. Very well written!

[E.Potter]

Thank you so much! The sensitivity worried me, but realistically this is something that most people deal with in some way on a daily basis and it needs to be talked about to get anywhere. It's exhausting to live constantly on alert, and I imagine it's not easy for men to know how often they're viewed at potential predators either. It's very sad and I have incredibly strong feelings about it that I couldn't keep in any longer. I'm glad you liked it!