NO!

Let me explain for those that are slow

to understand: the meaning of 'NO'.

~

It isn't a temporary hesitation

That gets in the way of your satiation.

It's not a way to temporarily pacify you

or thwart your drive to gratify you.

~

NO isn't Yes, though you may bluster

and rage, may shove and thrust her

down. Around. Might have your way

with her, treat her like prey

control, abuse, deny autonomy

leer and pinch , treat her anatomy

as your own, denying choice

refuse to hear her use her voice

pretend she has no right to speak

assume her kindness means she's weak.

Brutalizing to make her yield

(your grasp of humanity lies congealed

around you like tattered clothing)

and her loving turns to loathing

while the whirlwind of chaos around you grows

as your inner beast through the external veneer shows:

it never really was a question

just your hubris, a suggestion.

You always meant to have your way.

That you asked was pure display

of swagger, force, imagined power.

Your intent is to devour

not to love, but make her cower

deny her agency , pretend to 'allow her'

to have her body as her own

and your actions thugs condone.

~

I heard her tell you 'No'.

I'll join my voice to hers ~and oh!~

You can't take away my right

to be myself, without a fight.

'NO' isn't just a trial delay

while you think you'll have your way

with me, my daughter, or my sister,

cause let me tell you something mister;

'No' is my answer, I know my own mind

Better wise up or you'll be intertwined

with the wrong side of history

and studied in school as a mystery

a cipher to understand

a relic from a time when all reason seemed banned.

~

'NO' , when an answer, is the final word.

You asked, we answered, and we know that you heard.

~~~~~

Did you know that Missouri, Texas, Arizona, and Arkansas won't finalize a divorce for a woman if she is pregnant? Even if she is requesting the divorce? Even if there is clear domestic abuse?

Did you know that women in Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia require the written consent of a spouse in order to have their tubes tied?

Comments welcome.