i have been taught to hate my body,

i have been called a bitch

because i speak my mind,

i have been taught to

apologize for my interruptions,

i have been crumpled up,

torn apart,

and thrown away.

i have been called a slut exposing

myself in the most vulnerable way,

i have been taught to keep my voice

low and my words "lady-like"

i have been beaten down,

abused,

and harassed.

i have been told to appease men,

i have been told to cover my body,

i have been told that i am nothing,

i have been told to swallow my feelings,

i have been told to shut my mouth,

i have been told to be ashamed.

i have been made to feel helpless

by the men around me,

and i have been made to feel like shit for speaking out about it.