Poem: "Time’s Up"

Say her name, it’s her year,

Years, life,

There is fire in her eyes. “Time’s up.”

It’s not just a catchphrase,

I’ve been hurt; it was on a day like this. “Me too,” I said.

“Hands off,” I said.

My voice builds her voice. “Time’s up.”

My smile is my own,

My body is my house,

Our body, our house, we take care of it.

No, I am not your love; this is not a love song.

I should be allowed to roar,

To walk in these streets, and you will not stop me,

Or breathe on me. “Time’s up.”

Mama, you thought you were raising a Prince,

He became a Wolf with his whistle.

Without a pack, he roams for us prey,

We are not prey or kill. “Time’s up.”

Sitting there with your legs apart, building your comfort from my discomfort,

Watch it,

For I will roar,

I will fight,

I will march.

Your time

Is up.

Mama, you lied,

Not all men are good,

Some of them have teeth,

But we have the bite. “Time’s up.”