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Keep Quiet

by Allison Atis

When I was little,

A boy got my toy and ruined it

I was told that he just liked me

So I just kept quiet


When I was a teen,

My feelings were played with

I was told it was natural

So I just kept quiet


At the same time,

My body was also played with

I was told to shut up, it's my fault

So I just kept quiet


When I was growing up,

I also saw how everybody changed

Women are from Venus,

Men are from Mars

I didn't like the thought,

but I just kept quiet


When I was older,

I realized the gravity of being quiet

So I spoke, I shouted, I was angry

Still, I was told to keep quiet


The false dichotomy, the ad hominems

thrown because you should just stand still

will just go on and on

if we just keep quiet


There is no right time or right moment

To scream, to shout, to be firm

I would rather be part of laughters and smiles

than to just sit still, and be quiet.


This piece was first published in the 365 Wonders 2019 Planner Edition Feminism by Woman, Create. Check out the Instagram post here.


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