I wrote this poem when i was 17 years old. I was fed up with the judgement I received from my parents and my local Christian community that I have grown up with. I was starting to really branch out and not want to conform to the kind of culture I had been raised in. Modesty is a concept i grew up viewing as enforceable instead of insubstantial or a true virtue. Writing was something that helped me build on past conceptions.

Cover Judger

When I wear skirts that wrap tight around my waist 

Or bold makeup from the top to bottom of my face 

Or my Full breasts that just happen to bounce up and down while I’m on my way

Doesn’t mean you get to say whatever you wanna say 

Doesn’t mean you have a right to prey 

My body isn’t a show for you to watch and praise 

Eyes roaming from city streets to grocery stores 

Even when I show “less skin” men seem to think less is more 

Every part of my body is a threat 

Do you know what it’s like to not feel good in your skin and only feel regret?

Regretting the outfit you wore because you feel a man’s eyes on you wanting more, more, more

Why are cat calls normal ?

Like women don’t get raped every day and these rapists walk around these streets thinking they’re immortal 

Because young men are patted on the back for  the deeds of the immoral 

It’s like if you sleep with a thousand women you’re a man 

“Man up” they say because if you don’t show a woman who’s in control you’re less then

Boys will be boys, they respond with a smile 

Because apparently the male species shouldn’t be expected to control themselves WE have to go the extra mile

Adam said “You are bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh.” 

That doesn’t mean every women’s skin was made for man’s caress

Slut. Hoe. Thot. 

Apparently you can tell if a woman fit those categories just by looking at her 

If she’s showing too much skin, she can never be ladylike and prim 

If she’s covered up from head to toe, she’s worthless, no one wants a closed show

Double standards are the essence of sexism 

Instead of focusing on my clothes, what about my mind 

Try noticing a human being, before thinking “this girl is mine”

A flash of skin never means permission

A touch between touch is a mutual decision 

You know when your mom used to say look but don’t touch ? Now, I say don’t even look.