She

Isabella Billings, 8th Grade Leland Middle School

Isabella Billings

Don’t drink your water if the ice cubes aren’t floating.

“why?”

Don’t go outside in the dark without a key between your fingers. 

“Why?”

Don’t wear that.  

“Why not..”

Don’t eat that. 

“But I’m hungry.”

“You can’t wear that, you’ll distract your father.” 

“WHAT?” 

“She needs to find a husband.” 

“But I’m not ready..”
“She needs to raise her children better.” 

“I’m trying!” 

“She needs to stop eating so much.” 

“I’m sorry.”

“You need to lose weight.” 

“I’ll try.”

“You’re too skinny.” 

“But you said..”

“Cut your hair.”

“Okay…”
“Your hair makes you look like a lesbian.”
“What if I am?!”
“You need to go to the gym more.”
“I’ll try my best.”
“You need to have less muscle. Look more feminine.” 

“But you told me to…”

“You need to…”
“You need to mind your business.” 

 

It isn’t a man’s place to tell me what to do with myself. 

And it isn’t a woman’s place to put me down.