Brave

I tried to be brave but all I did was cry

Every time mommy and daddy would fight

I grew tired of always feeling so inferior

So instead I donned a harder exterior

My heart calloused over like the palms of my hands

I never looked back, not one single glance

I tried to be cool, thought growing up quickly

would somehow make my life less shitty

I thought I was so brave, so cunning and witty

Men did what I wanted because I was pretty

They let me think that I had the power

But one raised hand and to them I would cower

Maybe that’s why I didn’t stop that one guy

Who mistook a yes for my lack of reply

And a part of me’s always just screaming inside

Since the night that last part of my innocence died

I want to be brave but I’m only 18

I’m not really sure what that word even means

I suppose maybe one day I’ll figure it out

And be able to tell you what this poem’s about