After All the Humiliation
I don’t know how I would get a job, or do errands, or even take
a walk after being released from prison where I
was forced to be naked and stay in a cell with male inmates.
I don’t know how I could take deep frowns, someone
pushing me from behind, the honks of a car horn,
people expecting me to move as they approach on the sidewalk, the impatience
etched on faces, traces of frustration in voices, someone’s shoulder
butting mine, cold job rejections, people narrowly focused on their own woes,
not caring to listen or even hear about my case.
How could I possibly withstand anyone
out there after all the humiliation and violation I faced?