Neve Vesalius Poet Free verse

the power that rules me which i cannot hold

I hate the patriarchy  

I hate that men have control over my body 

I hate how I have to walk around the city knowing that being pretty is a justification for rape 

And I hate that I have to always try and counter that by looking down  

Not making eye contact 

I hate that I have to act ashamed because some men think confidence is permission 

I hate that if all my efforts fail it’s illegal for me to have autonomy in a decision that would change my life  

I hate that even though men have no idea how it feels to live in fear they have the power to make fear my reality  

They have the power to make fear all I know  

They have the power to take my life from me  

I hate that when they say they want to save “unborn children”  

They mean they don’t want me to have a choice  

But when the child is born, they won’t help pay for their food 

They shame for struggling when money isn’t available 

They shame teen mothers even when the mother was only walking home after a long day of school, when the mother never wanted anything to do with them 

And they say it was the girl’s fault because her “clothes showed too much skin” and because “she looked at me, so I thought it was okay” and because “she never said no” 

How could she say no  

She was scared to fight back 

Because in the patriarchy, a woman is a tool 

A woman is not her own person 

A woman can’t make her own decisions 

Because she is not valued 

I am used and I know it every day 

I am 15 and I already worry because I know this could be me 

I am 15 and I worry that my little sister’s life could be ruined because she doesn’t get to choose 

I am 15 and I worry about all my friends and my classmates and every girl and woman who has to live with the same fear I do 

I am 15 and I know that while this is my reality now, this won’t be my reality forever 

I am 15 and I am ready for something to change

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Daniel Henry Rodgers March 20, 2026 at 9:14 AM Hello Neve, Congrats on POTD! There’s no dressing it up, no trying to soften the truth, it’s just there, and that takes courage. A lot of it. You can feel how aware you are, not just for yourself but also sister,friends… And even through all that anger and fear, there’s still that last bit of hope “this won’t be my reality forever.” It’s not an easy read, but it’s an important one… and your voice deserves to be heard. Blessings, Daniel Neve Vesalius March 20, 2026 at 3:38 PM I really appreciate your comment. Thank you so much, it means a lot.

Constance La France March 19, 2026 at 8:41 PM Neve, a powerful poem and congratulations on receiving POTD ~ Neve Vesalius March 20, 2026 at 5:51 AM Thank you so much

Laurentine G March 19, 2026 at 12:40 AM I appreciate the stand you make but don't live in fear - arguably the world was less safe when I was a teen, it wasn't even called rape most of the time, but "taken advantage of". Confidence was always a benefit & looking down isn't decreasing the odds. Walk with confidence & let your stride say you aren't a victim. Whilst there is truth in your words, it doesn't dictate the lives of the majority. Trump has derailed a lot of progress but most men aren't bad. Enjoy writing and enjoy life x

the barefoot bard March 18, 2026 at 8:44 PM the barefoot bard March 18, 2026 at 8:53 PM Good day Neve . It is not just women though who struggle against patriarchy its men who have caused wars against other men as children we suffer from the lack of love from a father Women are certainly more vulnerable. The Mother Earth, Gods creation raped from the activities of mainly males. I feel compassion for your feelings . I pray that you find harmony in your life Blessings Douglas

Gershon Wolf March 18, 2026 at 7:59 PM Hate, hate, hate. Is that all there is to life?.... How about a little love there? ... Forget what others think, kiddo, and start to find out who and what you can do with the wonderful gift that is life --- by doing, doing, doing and living, living, living. And NOT by sitting around and 'wondering.' That only increases belly button lint.... And forget about boys/men. Take a long vacation from them... Find your way as a woman. Good luck to you! ~ Gershon Neve Vesalius March 19, 2026 at 5:44 AM It's hard to forget what others think when it is more than a thought. If it were only an opinion, I would respect it. But because it directly affects me and the people around me, I am forced to face the reality. I appreciate your comment and the time you took to write it. Thank you.

Unseeking Seeker March 18, 2026 at 4:56 PM Powerfully penned, Neve. Relevant and a wake up call for society. Congratulations on POTD. Neve Vesalius March 19, 2026 at 5:53 AM Thank you

Keith D Trestrail March 18, 2026 at 4:04 PM Ah yes, the patriarchy, oligarchy, and the politics of monarchy - all populist buzzwords intended to scare and alienate but mean nothing. Men have no more control over your life than they do mine. I feel the urge to explain (not mansplain) a few things but I shall resist. Instead I offer my congratulations on your POTD. I do admire passion and courage. Neve Vesalius March 19, 2026 at 5:49 AM They may not have more control over my life than yours, but the idea that they have control over anyone's life is troubling enough. And when you couldn't even imagine how it feels to know that they could chose what I do with MY body, it isn't fair for you to speak on my behalf. However, I respect your view. You do not have to resist the urge to explain your thoughts, just as I haven't done so. Everybody should be free to say what they want.

Christopher Delegans March 18, 2026 at 3:50 PM Very powerful poem, Neve. Words that need to be heard. Congratulations on POTD.

I Am Anaya March 18, 2026 at 11:04 AM The patriarchs love children until they are born, mistakes happen, rape happens that is why Ginsberg fought so hard for women & their right to choose--taken away by the votes for these men & the women who stand behind them who've regressed back into a time when men determined what to do with a woman's body. Vent if you must it's all part of healing. You'll find your way out. Ty for sharing this reality for you are the change as you so well demonstrated in your words. Congratulations on POTD Neve! xhugs I Am Anaya Keith D Trestrail March 18, 2026 at 8:57 PM Women today, pretty or otherwise, have never been so free or wielded more power or been more valued in the history of the world (certain cultures notwithstanding). You make your own power in this life. At fifteen I hated the world too but I didn’t let it consume me. I Am Anaya March 18, 2026 at 1:28 PM :) Neve Vesalius March 18, 2026 at 12:53 PM It's frustrating how much we have gone back to where we started. I appreciate your comment and support, thank you.

Joseph P. DiMino March 18, 2026 at 9:28 AM OK! Back to say congratulations. POTD! Powerful poem. Well deserved honor.

Paula Goldsmith March 18, 2026 at 8:53 AM Congratulations on your POTD win. What a powerful write you have here. Never hate for it will eat you alive. Always be loving/kind. Never give your power up. Have a blessed day writing away.................

Maureen McGreavy Pigeon Tart March 18, 2026 at 6:04 AM Neve, congratulations on POTD with this powerful piece. ‘Tis time to smash the patriarchy, I am with you. Thank you for so perfectly expressing what it’s like being on the receiving end of that patriarchal sense of entitlement. Enjoy the day! xomo

sara Etgen-Baker March 18, 2026 at 4:58 AM congratulations on your POTD designation--powerful words filled with passion and strength.

Tania Kitchin March 18, 2026 at 3:45 AM Neve, a powerful poem. Congratulations on POTD.

Karen Croft March 18, 2026 at 2:40 AM Congratulations on your POTD!

Beryl Edmonds March 18, 2026 at 2:21 AM Congratulations Neve on having received Poem of the day. Fortunately good men outweigh the bad, same goes for women too, some sweet, some dour… Beryl

Karen Jones March 18, 2026 at 12:38 AM A powerful and poignant poem of the day filled with passion and purposeful truth! Congratulations!

Ghairo Daniels March 17, 2026 at 5:40 PM ThkU, Dear Neve, for raising this subject of abortion, which was and is a tricky one since it deals with life itself. The central answer to your poem is to LOVE every aspect of yourself so much, that all hate falls away. There will be no need to hate so many things external to yourself as it will not be part of who you are, since you will walk around Being Love & an example to all. Sending so much Love to you. Keep writing to process your thoughts. Xx Neve Vesalius March 17, 2026 at 6:03 PM I will keep writing as long as I need. Thank you for this, it is nice to know that some people are with me.

Joseph P. DiMino March 17, 2026 at 3:50 PM No easy answers...you say many of the right things and fight the good fight -- don't hate though (just my opinion for the little it may be worth). Hate is like a bad virus. It is a spiritual organism that can consume the mind and heart...until there is only hate. A very brave and heartfelt write. Very talented. Looking forward to your next. Neve Vesalius March 17, 2026 at 3:56 PM I appreciate your perspective, however, while I am very selective about the things I chose to dislike to such a degree, this has made the cut. I am not a person who choses to waste energy on hating things of little value, but this topic is something that I will defend. Thank you for your comment and feedback!