And So Says I
By Tara K
Published 14 April 2023
“Boys are meant to ruin your lipstick, not your mascara”.
So says Marilyn Monroe and so says I.
Except I didn’t say that when he yelled
And I didn't say that when I cried in pain
And I didn't say that when I cowered in the corner.
And I didn’t say that when he lied,
And I didnt say that when he was “just joking”.
But I say that now.
I say it to the girl that I was
And I say it to myself over and over again, while I lie, staring blankly at the ceiling.
I say it to the girl beside me, who needs to hear it.
And I say it with a hug,
I say it all the time.
and I say it when nobody asks,
I say it because I can
And I say it, because the world needs to hear it too.