Dog Whistle

"Dog Whistle," is written from the perspective of a young woman asserting herself before the eyes of society. Within it, a young girl dies in order for a woman to rise from her ashes. The woman speaks, addressing the history which others will judge her for head-on, unflinching. This is her story. Told as she wills it; on her own terms.

Content Advisory: implied sexual assault.

Poetry                                               Cora AE Neher, 3rd Year English & Secondary Education: English Major

Dog Whistle

  I once knew a girl

  she was free-spirited and naïve

  men would whistle

  women would eye her

  with open ire–

  that girl would hide at home in the dark

  she feared the shapes which

  gather

  writhe

  rush

  and whistle–

  she was right to fear

  them

  for they would one dayfall

  draw her into their dark

  and they would

  take

  ravage

  consume

  destroy

  conquer…

that girl is dead now

and here I stand

in her place. What he wanted I sell as my wares.

I am what it took to survive

  but my survival costs my life…