I used to hide inside my house
Being quiet as a mouse
I hid from the boys outside
To keep away from the rolling tide
They’d slither down the street
They were full of deceit.
Come out and play they’d say
Today is just like any other day
The problem with that
Is it meant combat
Fighting to keep my shorts on straight
Not wanting the great debate
They said it was OK
It was safe to stay
But I knew the truth
They were stealing my youth
With every touch
And push
And pull
I’d close my eyes a little tighter
Knowing I was a fighter
But each fight came with a consequence
I was losing my innocence
When it was nighttime
And I was back at home
Ready to sleep
I’d close my eyes
And all I could see
Was them on top of me
I’d cry myself to sleep
Never falling to deep
Because even though I was quiet as a mouse
I wasn’t safe inside my house
I was told to keep my mouth shut
They would call me a slut
They threatened to hurt
The people I loved so much
So I couldn’t reach out and touch
And tell them what was going on
The conclusion was forgone
I had to be alone
Never for the truth to be known
That was my secret to hold
And never be told
It’s a lot for a little girl
To be wrapped up in the swirl
Of someone’s else’s glory
And not be able to tell my story