i feel braver in the day time
when sunlight bleeds through leaves 
and leaves friendly shadows 
on lawns and kids toys

i feel braver when dinner is being cooked
aromas from the boiling pot 
spilling out into every corner of the house

i feel braver when my dad hugs me
his warm embrace reassuring me
that all is right and i am protected

i feel braver when i have men that i trust 
with me when i go out at night
surely they will be able to push the bad guys away

i feel braver when i hold my keys inbetween my knuckles
aware of every rustling leaf and branch
that could be harm coming my way

i don’t feel as brave
when im walking alone on campus
wary of anybody who walks near me
worried that i will be attacked and violated
worried that i will be left for dead
worried that i will be found behind a dumpster
unconscious 
but i would never admit to that