as a woman

As a woman

I am always in danger

Whether

Perceived

Or realized

Because at one point

The danger

Was real

And his hands

Were on me

The eyes gazing at my chest

The whistles for my ass

The feet that followed me home

Were more than just

Empty threats

But actions

That left me

With no choice

But to panic

When they snicker-

To feel the burning on my wrists

As they pass by-

To hear his voice

When they mutter under their breath-

When I am working out

Or taking their order

Or walking in Walmart

Run-

Run

Before

It

Inevitably

Happens

Again.