Creative Writing

#RhymeAndReason: Behind Closed Doors

By Shambhavi Dewedi

June 30, 2020

Cross your legs When you sitYou have a reputation To keep up with You’re a lady Show some elegance Sure you can stay oveEveryone knows you are “close friends” You’re a good girl You know what to doFind a husband With a name and a fortune You know what they sayGood girls are the ones who never get caught Pull their hair back in a ponyNever smoke or do shotsMama told you to behave And to not mess around with guys Now she is asking to pull down your skirt And hide the lipstick on your thighs Be our human Barbie And we will decide your worth Always keep that picture perfect smile Even if you are broke or hurtBecause you were born to bear painYou know the stereotype You are strong, you know Still you will need a man to surviveAnd no one can judge If they don’t know Make sure you hold handsBehind closed doorsHurry, make it stopBefore they suspect Make sure it doesn’t beat anymore Before you keep it in the closet

This is one of four of the best poems from the just concluded Rhyme & Reason competition