Defending My Virtue

Who knew that I would need
shoestrings to escape rape?
I felt safe on a double date, 
the “safety in numbers” misnomer.

He came on like a ten-armed
octopus with suction cup hands.
The couple in the back seat
were obviously in full accord,
based on sounds my ears
were recording.

Out-manned in size and strength,
I searched for a weapon. 
I found it in the glove box.

A single, unattached shoestring
serves well as a garrote
when applied to the neck
of one whose hands are
occupied elsewhere.

He took me home.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2017

Poem

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Peterson Avatar
December 7, 2017 at 12:21 PM
The subtle force, correctly applied, can often provide surprising result. I hope the might of shoestrings will grow to symbolize your life and signal to both weak and strong that you are not a thing with which to be tampered.
Bauer Avatar
June 25, 2017 at 10:39 AM
i don't know if this is based on a true event, but it's told very well and has a very satisfying ending with a perfect last line. your poems are a delight to read, cona...
Adams Avatar
November 28, 2017 at 10:34 AM
Hello, Irene. I've been absent from PoetrySoup for some time. So many other things happening, I can't keep up. Yes, it is based on a true event. I was only 14, but determined to be my own person, without any trouble. A narrow escape.
Adams Avatar
June 25, 2017 at 1:32 PM
Thank you so much, Ilene. Yes, this is a true story. It took me over sixty years to tell it. Have a great week!
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