We cheer and shake our cowbells, waving at passing cars. 

Sometimes they roll down their windows, clapping and cheering back.

Sometimes they roll their eyes and look away, avoiding eye contact.

As a teenager I am expected to conform.

Even though people tell you that you should be distant “stand out from the crowd” the second you do they tell you “what are you doing?”

I wasn’t sure

how many people would be there

it wasn't the biggest protest in the state,

the one that we went to, that is.

we think

about

(at least)

500 

people came.

5

0

0

the permanent marker squeaks across the page black sharpie mimic the scream rage & awareness & hands off hands off hands OFF MY BODY you call this democracy?