Brace for Impact

Please turn your attention

to the safety sheet in the seat

back pocket in front of you.

The shiny, laminate paper

your last lifeline. Brace

for impact: man

hunched, hands protecting

head; woman hunched, hands

protecting child. Guardian of both

lives, she has been primed

by impact all her life. Her body

fielding scrutiny and hate.

Scars from taking up space

larger than allotted. You don’t

belong here little lady.

Brace for impact. Bruises

left by comments about

her clothes. With that skirt,

you’re asking for it tonight.

Brace for impact. Burns

caused by the searing, unwanted

touch of a man. But I know

you will like this.

Brace. Brace. Brace.