E Gets Deep: When You're A Girl

when you're a girl
you're told to smile
when you're a girl
you're told to stay silent
told to hide
told to be agreeable -
told to keep the peace.

when you're a girl you're told
to stop fighting
your brother.
Your brother  isn't told
to stop fighting
you.

when you're a girl you're told
to be afraid.
afraid of the dark
afraid of saying something wrong
afraid of standing out.
because we are taught that our value
is in how silent we can be.

when you're a girl you're told
to persevere
to hide your pain
to be agreeable
to be soft
to keep the peace
and to keep our hearts open

when you're a girl you're told
that you must want love
that you must love
and to do anything for love.

when you're a girl you're told
that you are broken
if you do not love

when you're a girl you're told
that you are worth nothing
because you are not loved.

when you're a girl you're told
that it is normal to hate yourselves
in the hopes that someone will love you.
validate you.

when you're a girl you're told
that if you love yourself
you are arrogant.

when you're a girl you are told
that if you want to be alone
you are a freak

when you're a girl you are told
that if you stand up
you're loud and obnoxious.

when you're a girl you are told
that if a boy loves himself
he's confident.

when you're a girl you are told
that if a boy wants to be alone
he's mysterious and intriguing.

when you're a girl you are told
that your emotions are weak
but you cannot be cold.

when you're a girl you are told
that you have to be warm
without emotion.

when you're a girl you are told
to take what you are given
and to never expect anything

when you're a girl you are told
that your value
is in other people
that only others can tell you
your worth.

when you're a girl you are told
that you are a bitch
for breaking up with a boy.

when you're a girl you are told
that if you're broken up on
you can't fall in love again

when you're a girl you are told
that if you like someone else
it immediately becomes love

when you're a girl you are told
that if you don't want love
you're crazy.

when you're a girl you are told
that if you have male friends
you are a slut.

when you're a girl you are told
that your body is an object
that has to be hidden
because it may be a distraction to boys

when you're a girl you are told
that you are capable of distracting boys
and must therefore
be hidden.

when you're a girl you are told
to listen to others
and to not speak.
well screw that.