i hate days
that feel more like roller coasters and other things that spin me into and simultaneously away from myself.
i hate men
who use words and prowess and lineages of oppression to intimidate women
who threaten women with physical harm.
i hate breaking up physical altercations between and in front of young impressionable minds.
violence is immutable
and it makes me feel small and dirty
like a well caged animal
like the corner of a basement cupboard
i hate the way this situation leaves me feeling helpless and sad
as if i needed to apologize for myself
as if i’ve been screaming for years
and never made a sound