Poem: Who to Trust

Away I have locked myself

Because I've learned I can trust no one but oneself

Alone is where I'll forever remain

Because my heart can't handle anymore pain

This wall I've built is part of me now

But you have become determined to remove it somehow

I soon realize there is no stopping you

Brick by brick you start to breakthrough

I knew you wanted to see me

But I assumed it was because you believe a woman's body is pretty

When I saw the first part of the wall you destroyed

It didn't make sense, I thought a woman's perspective was something men annoyed

Was it not sensual things that you desired

Seeing through my eyes couldn't be something you admired

Surely you meant to uncover something more risqué 

Why would a man want to see as a woman does anyway

I couldn't ask questions though because eyes can't speak 

Suddenly I realized the wall near my mouth was becoming weak

Did you mean to let my voice ring?

I thought a woman's opinion was only an irritating thing 

I can see you try to speak to me but my ears are still locked away

I don't dare speak up because I assume this is some kind of new foreplay

Suddenly I can hear your encouraging sounds

But I didn't think women were allowed to stand their grounds

I finally ask why you're toying with my mind

You say that you'll show me some men are kind

This is when I realize the sinful play is coming

I start to pray for an overall numbing

Fracturing another part of my defense

This time I'm sure you'll reveal something more intense

To my surprise my hand is exposed

I still don't understand why my virtue hasn't upon been imposed

The remaining of my broken wall falls away

As a tender touch pulls me his way

I realize now that some men are more than sexual lust

And these are the men who I've learned to trust

-Malori Ann Howell