Every morning I go for a walk,
Mothers keep an eye
If I dare to talk to their children.
Alert as though I am Danger.
I am a Man, not a kidnapper.
Every day on my way to the office,
I avoid brushing against you in a crowded bus
Fearing someday you will turn and accuse,
Conscious of every move thus,
But I am a Man, not a groper.
Every time I swipe on Tinder,
Buy you a drink, I notice the fear
You hesitate with information
Your suspicious eyes often wonder;
I am a man, not an abuser.
Every time you walk alone on the road
And I walk behind you, unaware,
In the dark empty lanes of the city
You let me pass, scared;
But I am a man, not a rapist.
Every day, to the office I go,
As the hours seem really slow,
I can't stare, even subconsciously, at you,
Or have small talk sipping tea,
Lest you press charges and I am sued.
I know those animals,
I know the threat "Men will be Men"
And all the talk of us being best,
Stigmas, egos and false manliness,
But trust me, those are not men,
Mental, brutal and not like the rest.
~ Suranya
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