Patriarchy

• Rachael Ryan, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2022

I am sick of the Patriarchy,
It has taken control of so many of my friends and foes,
Everyday I hear something new,
But at least it wasn’t I who was exposed

And it takes route in my head twisting and turning,
I am sick of Patriarchy,
Whenever I hear the word man, I think of hurt and harm,
Something that makes me listen to music with only one ear on the way home,

I don’t want to feel this way when there are so many who have done no wrong,
But I don’t want to look over my shoulder everytime I am alone,
I am sick of Patriarchy,
It has made me aware of when it will become dark,

This world we live in picks out my clothes,
I am 14, I am a child, who for years has been told to be careful what you wear,
you don’t want a man to think that you’re available,
I am sick of Patriarchy,