Me Too

I.

All us girls were taught to pack on the makeup

smother the lashes with a thick layer of black--

coat the eye lids with a sheer tint of brown

after all, there was no such thing as too much glitter.

All us girls were taught to twirl our hair

curl the dead ends into a highlighted bundle,

fry until pin straight is all that is seen--

after all, knowing how to braid would guarantee you a spot at the next sleepover.

All us girls were taught to dress to impress

purchase the perfect outfit for any and every occasion,

to cover up and plaster on a smile--

after all, it was our best accessory.

All us girls were taught to chase after the boy

flutter our eyelashes to grab his attention,

bathe in floral perfume in hopes of catching his eye--

after all, it was important to take his breath away.

II.

Taught to look the part, 

yet never to act. 

Replace mascara wand with bat, 

can of hairspray with pepper, 

fashion for fear, 

chasing to being chased. 

III. 

All us girls were taught to mirror the princess on television

keep our hearts open to finding our forever prince,

set aside our willpower to have things done for us--

after all, singing kiss the girl was simply the beginning of you forgetting to ask for consent.

All us women were taught to back down

refrain from talking back,

not say anything if there was nothing to say at all--

after all, biting our tongue stopped the catcalls.

I was taught to be responsible

considering perfection and obedience was admirable, 

that I had to say yes when he said make up your goddamn mind--

after all, it was my fault that your hands found their way up my dress.