Catcall

They crack their teeth,
But look beneath
That leer’s a smile of violence.

(What’s your name, gorgeous?)

A girlish face
Should know her place
And drink her fears in silence.

(Just one drink, come on!)

They mean no harm,
But her alarm
Spreads from her head
Down to her arms,
And leaden legs
That do not flee,
But shake instead
And gather dregs 
Of dignity.

(Don’t be so uptight!)

For girlish ears
Cannot unhear
What they say, and what they mean,

(Frigid bitch...)

But what is more,
She can’t be sure
She didn’t want - ask - to be seen.