Graffiti

SCISSOR ME SCRIPPSIES
Reads one, in bright orange spray paint
In the driveway of the alumni house.

EVERY LASH
Says another, in green
On the way to the dining hall

(DICK)TATION
Cry others, in many colors
In front of the dorms
On the tree walk
On the lawn
Maturely written with a phallus,
Rather than words

Last week, another,
Sprayed on a plaster wall
Behind my dorm
Declared us all lesbians
And worthy of punishment
Although the wording
Was much less eloquent

What have we done
To deserve such words?
Such hate?
Such malice?
Such defamation?

Perhaps, one whispers,
We've done nothing.
This voice gets stronger,
Repeating the phrase.

We've done nothing
Nothing to deserve any of this
Except one thing:

We learn.

We are a community of women,
Living and learning together.
We support each other,
Respect each other,
Love each other.

This, the voice says, must be why.

By being independent.

By considering ourselves equals.

By working to be more than just women.

By learning.

To the men who've done this
For they must be male,
We offer you this:

No

Mercy.