Darling remember carry your keys
In your hand sharp end out
And if they come, when they do
Fight for all you’re worth
Take them down, out, run
Her grandmother said
Sweetheart watch for ones who stalk
Look at you like prey
Make your skin crawl
When they come, kick scratch bite
You’re in the fight for your life
I might not be there
Her father said
Decades later it’s ingrained
To have to be more careful
Go home earlier
Because she’s a girl and it’s made her
A target, a walking target
Not for any reason than she is she
No change needs to change.
Ailsa
©AilsaCawleyPoetry2021
