Don’t talk to me about equality
Until you understand what it’s like not to have it.
We live in a world in which women are held responsible for the crimes committed against them.
Today, little girls are taught self-defense instead of self-confidence.
While our brothers are playing outside,
We learn to never put our drink down.
Never trust a stranger.
Never walk alone.
There is a chronic lack of breathing room in this world for girls.
We grow up knowing that men will stare at us with hungry eyes,
So we shouldn’t be surprised when they decide that we are food;
Right?

There is little equality in being seen as ripe fruit,
Waiting to be picked by any man who so pleases.
Don’t talk to me about equality
Until my body is no longer a product sold for your
Consumption.

*Mackenzie Acree, seen below, is the granddaughter of a close friend of mine James Berbiglia, a PC(USA) minister and retired chaplain [LTC] United States Army. Mackenzie is a sophomore at 3,500 student body, O’Connor High School, San Antonio, Texas and ranks in the upper four percent of her class. Mackenzie’s poem will appear in a literary compilation titled The 2017 O’Connor High School Literary Magazine.