A girl knows what it means to sit pretty
squeeze her lips tight and smile wide
her face painted pink
neck drenched in perfume
she’s your perfect little doll
your toy to show off and play with
until you’re bored so you throw her away
and go for the next doll in your sights
A girl knows how to behave
keep up the spirits in the room
while hers is falling to pieces
she calms herself as a billion pairs of eyes
scan up and down her body
picking every bit apart
pointing out the flaws out loud
she takes it all in stride
and pretends it’s not hurting her
when all she wants to do is cry
A girl knows the cruel words
that come from all around her
They come from those closest to her
and once in a while, they come from strangers
She knows you’re trying to make her small
maybe you’re trying to change her
She knows your cruelty and your reasons
for tearing her apart when she’s done nothing
A girl knows all about you
She’s been around so many like you
She keeps quiet ‘cause it pleases you
and while you spend time taking her down
she’s plotting for the day she escapes
and burns down everything in her path
including you