beyond catcalling
beyond scrutinized sex lives
and beyond racial slurs.
tell me there was a time
when age did not matter
nor sex, class, race, or gender.
tell me there’ll be a day
when it goes back to normal
and we can leave our houses
without makeup
and still be called pretty
tell me it gets better
and that one day i’ll be able
to take a walk without
fearing for my life.
tell me to hold on
to my little thread of hope
because it’ll be worth it
one day, soon.
tell me not to worry
about the future to come,
for it will work itself out
and things will change
for the better.