she wasn’t royalty, she was a woman I cannot walk alone at night, I hold my keys like claws. I jump at every noise and light, I cannot stop or pause. My mother taught me to bite if I had to, To kick and make myself difficult Because men don’t want difficult girls, And in that scenario, a difficult girl is good. My school took us on a trip to Germany, Our bus was followed by a group of men. We were scolded for our shorts that night, They measured our skirts every Friday then. I must not leave my drink with a boy, Even if he seemed kind or friendly I wonder why boys and men Are okay with being considered deadly? But these rules are pointless, life seems to prove As even girls who lived by the rules Are robbed of their lives in brutal ways, It is how it is, our stagnant reality stays. Sarah was every one of us, Sarah did everything right. Sarah did absolutely nothing at all To deserve what happened that night. What could she have done in all the world To deserve what happened to her that night? They held a vigil at a bandstand, Lockdown couldn’t suppress this injustice. I watched the women pinned to the ground Torn apart, though none ever bared a fist. I understand the times we live in. I understand the dangers crowds hold, But with conscience can you silence a peaceful protest Of women who are (dying) of being Told? Not a month later, lockdown still intact The Prince died at home, of old age in bed. Yet they gave the same message – We must all grieve at home, they said.
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