Good Daughters

In families east and west

No has never been a word

Of authority and consent

But instead

Children are taught

That it is the basis of disrespect

Trust in families is

Built upon years of forced consent

So how do we draw a line

And tell boys to listen for the no

When we beat any objection out of our girls

Such progress holds no meaning

You tell us to say no

But when my lips curve to utter the singular word

I am reminded of years of disapproval

I am reminded of pressure to eat when I was full

Reminded of forced hugs and kisses

Reminded of all the praises that sprung from my silence and compliance

Reminded of glares and clenched fists that occurred if I made a fuss

How can you tell me to say no

When even as I bleed

I am told to accomodate the men in the house

To keep hush the natural occurrences of my body

To keep hush the processes which keep this world revolving on its axis

How do you expect me to stand in defiance of every single thing I have been taught

How do I ever say no

When all I have learnt is to nod and say yes

~ why didn't she just say no?