NO!
Let Me Break It Down For You
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.
About the Creator
Judey Kalchik
It's my time to find and use my voice.
Poetry, short stories, memories, and a lot of things I think and wish I'd known a long time ago.
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Comments (17)
Just come across this as a share from Dani. Fantastic poem. Very well said!!!
Blown away by this one Judey! Excellent! Excellent! EXCELLENT!!! And those FYI points at the end...I did NOT know. Now enraged. But not at your poem cuz your poem is a fire that's needed. Thanks for the education!
Yes, no means NO
I didn't know about those facts at the end, it sounds so scary. Sadly still many people struggle with the concept of no.
A wife was considered a husband's property in Texas up until the late 70's. The law you referenced should have been outlawed years ago. Loved you lines, "cause let me tell you something mister; 'No' is my answer, I know my own mind."♥️♥️💕 Powerful and No means No!
'j' ~ NO Kidding? ~ 'j'
Yes, no means NO. Not even a single solitary hesitation and you justify your actions… no. I agree so wholeheartedly Judey
I had heard some of those crazy disgusting laws...wouldn't have been able to pinpoint the states they referred to but knew they existed. It's disgusting and patriarchy in full action. this poem is ferocious in all the best ways and should be handed out in schools or libraries...or just the street. Brilliant brilliant brilliant and I hope the Vocal people do the right thing and make this Top Story as it is so richly deserved.
I never knew any of those things! They must be freaking kidding me! Those laws are so ridiculous! Loved your poem, it was extremely powerful!
No means NO. No debate. No ifs or buts. You’d think two letters wouldn’t be so hard to comprehend for people.
As a woman and the mother of a daughter, the word that rises up in me after reading this powerful poem is "yes!" As in -- Yes, this needs to be said!! Yes, this is real!! Yes, you heard!! He heard. Thank you for this.
The only words I can think of to describe those responsible for such laws are not fit for any company, much less polite. When I think of "the refiner's fire" in scripture (my Protestant understanding of Purgatory), I can only say that's a lot of dross that needs to get burnt off. And when it does, will they even be able to recognize themselves anymore, for what will be left? Excellent work, Judey. I can't help but think about this current election cycle & the two likely candidates for the Oval: if only the one would learn to ask consent before touching in so familiar a fashion & the other wouldn't treat every "No" as a resounding "Yes, of course you should do with me as you will!".
This was epic. So much yes to this no!
😮😮😮 Insane, illogical, immoral, unbelievable! (Well, I guess some of it is believable considering who the lawmakers are behind such trash.) The right to anyone's own body should NEVER be questionable! Excellent words, Judey. It's unfortunate that these laws are designed to thwart a woman's decisions and make me crazy in the process.
A fantastic poem and I will always respect your ability to take a powerful stand
Very powerful poem. I was unaware of the last two facts you shared. Talk about archaic.
I didn't know either of those things you mentioned. Damn, what backward thinking. And yes, "no" is the final answer. Well done.