Don’t tell…
Don’t tell your parents
it will break their heart
Don’t tell your friends
Don’t tell his friends
Don’t tell the nurse when she asks for your medical history
Don’t let anyone touch you, you’re broken
Let everyone touch you, this is your body
Your choice
Don’t tell anyone that the girl
in the next room
was crying while you waited your turn
Alone, no one to wait with you
Don’t tell the doctor that you remember
When he said he didn’t care
what your name was, it was the last “one” of the day
everyone wants to go home
he thinks you forgot
Practice forgetting too
Don’t tell the feminists you are ashamed
Don’t tell the religious you did the right thing
Don’t tell anyone you are the only one
Who remembers it was on January 6
and you woke up with your panties
in a paper bag on your lap
With a bottle of pain pills
Don’t tell yourself it’s real
When she whispers in the night
Don’t worry, Momma, I understand
And I’m waiting for you
And I love you just the same
Don’t tell…
–Anonymous 0037