She Graduated....For Rape Survivors

​SHE GRADUATED
BY KISHONNA L GRAY
 
Mama I made it
Yeah I graduated
This feeling that I feel has got me so elated
The degree is conferred
The biggest lesson I learned?
Wasn’t in the classroom
So no grade could I earn
The point and objective is that the
Dream is deferred
Progress deterred
Because when we fight and we’re not heard
We have to yearn
For a system that is better
Wrote the note a long time ago
There is no loan that can repay this debtor
I don’t have no major
What you think I was trying to fake it
Nah ma, I wasn’t even supposed to make it
Let the stats show that me in this body
Are more likely to raped or Harassed b/c I’m naughty
Let them tell it
You sent me here to avoid that shit in the street
Thought I would meet
Some sweet co-ed and bring him home to greet
Mama you see the report?
Yeah the retweet
The court of Public opinion is the jury I have to beat
Constantly questioned.
Constantly denied.
Not being believed because of some man’s lies
 
But mama I learned more
I probably should have never told
What happened to me next
Would burn your soul
 
You know what else
I learned that because of my gender
I’m not valued as a true member
Of this patriarchal society
That would rather have me be
Forced on my back than to give me any kind of equality
Put me on my back that’s what he did
But because I didn’t fight back…
They couldn’t get rid
Of that reasonable doubt that maybe she did
Enough to lead him on
I did say no but that wasn’t enough
There should have been some bruises or marks
Something more to show
Because it was my fault
Yeah I went to that party
Yeah I had that drink
And the rules of society would have you think
In his eyes that shot was my consent
I should not have spent
Any more moments with him
 I would have never dreamt
 
The experiences of one but let the real numbers show
In reality let the truth be told
Progress will come but with a hefty toll
The price on my body my mind and my soul
Having to endure the trauma
Of a system that cares less for our daughters sistas and mamas
 
But I guess I shouldn’t be mad
No matter how long we’ve waited
Yeah I guess I’m proud.
Look mama
I graduated