Girlhood
This poignant poem explores the realities of girlhood, shifting from innocent moments of childhood to the harsh, unjust experiences of growing up as a teenage girl. It contrasts the simplicity of painted nails with the heavy burden of societal blame, fear, and violence that girls face. Through raw and unsettling imagery, the poem exposes the vulnerability of young women and the systemic neglect that fails to protect them. It is a powerful commentary on innocence lost and the harsh truths of girlhood in a world that often turns a blind eye.
12/17/2024
Girlhood is when you’re six
painting your nails for the first time
The only thing that matters is what color you choose
Girlhood is being told that you can’t wear a tanktop and shorts on your first day of middle school because the boys will stare
You don’t even understand why yet
Girlhood is 3yrieuwFGCSLGFH
Girlhood is walking to your a teenage girl walking to your car alone after a night with friends
Each key between your finger, ready to slash incase someone’s near you
Girlhood is hearing footsteps come closer and closer to you but you can’t outrun them, you know that by now
Girlhood is being told yell fire instead of help
Because who cares enough to help a random teenage girl
Still no one turned an eye
Girlhood is when you use the nails you once painted
To scratch the attacker, hopefully hard enough to capture some DNA to identify him
Girlhood is dying knowing that your honor won’t be defended because it was your fault for wearing those clothes