To Every Man I Have Told NO

I have lost count of the numbers of guys who’ve asked if I were single

and when I tell them of my relationship

they search for a loophole

the back alley they are sure will let them tunnel their way in –

some argument leaving me weak

drowning me in compliments they hope I have been lacking

unable to take the facts as reality

sure they can shift my relationship status with

a smile and a few comments that

turn my stomach and bring my lunch into my throat because

I am not a prize to be won after a long battle

When I say no

I mean no –

I should not have to threaten to ‘bring my boyfriend over here’ –

I have lost count of the number of times

I have felt like a piece of meat in the eyes of

every man who has tried to wiggle their way inside me

never taking no for an answer.

-CM