When I was young, I used to
Watch behind the curtains
As men walked up and down the street. Wino men, old men.
Young men sharp as mustard.
See them. Men are always
Going somewhere.
They knew I was there. Fifteen
Years old and starving for them.
Under my window, they would pause,
Their shoulders high like the
Breasts of a young girl,
Jacket tails slapping over
Those behinds,
Men.
One day they hold you in the
Palms of their hands, gentle, as if you
Were the last raw egg in the world. Then
They tighten up. Just a little. The
First squeeze is nice. A quick hug.
Soft into your defenselessness. A little
More. The hurt begins. Wrench out a
Smile that slides around the fear. When the
Air disappears,
Your mind pops, exploding fiercely, briefly,
Like the head of a kitchen match. Shattered.
It is your juice
That runs down their legs. Staining their shoes.
When the earth rights itself again,
And taste tries to return to the tongue,
Your body has slammed shut. Forever.
No keys exist.
Then the window draws full upon
Your mind. There, just beyond
The sway of curtains, men walk.
Knowing something.
Going someplace.
But this time, I will simply
Stand and watch.
Maybe.
THANK YOU FOR THIS. I TRULY GET IT. YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION TO ME. EVERY TIME I SEE YOU ON TV, I LISTEN TO YOUR EVERY WORD AND CHILLS RUN UP AND DOWN MY SPINE. THE WISDOM I HEAR IN YOUR VOICE, THE WAY YOU OFTEN SLOWLY SPEAK YOU WORDS, THEY MESMERIZE ME.THANK YOU AGAIN FOR BEING YOU.
i really liked this poem. i thought it brought out a lot of issues that a lot of woman face. especially in today’s society
this poem was cool. i love your writings you are my absolute favorite poet.
I really enjoy the poem,to me the poem sounds like how men today look at little girls crazy then it turn out to be abuse. But I can see where maya is coming from with that poem it remind on that movie Woman Thou Art loosed. I love you poem Thank u Maya
I liked the poem alot. I thought this poem was very emotional, and real. She kept it real and I understand where she’s coming form. GREAT POEM!!!!!
I like this poem it is the truth, hugs are the starting between girls and boys then the hugs change and your life changes too.
i like this poem i also understand were maya is coming even though i have’nt experinced it
I think this poem describes the progessing stages of abuse and the life long effect it leaves even when a woman is able to get away from it. Maya Angelou is a very talented and powerful writer. I have read almost everything she has done and they have all touched me in different ways. She is my inspiration in my writing and in my fight to be a good woman. Thank you Maya.
I REALLY LIKED THIS POEM I THINK IT MEANS THAT YOU HAVE THOSE FIRST TIMES WITH A MAN BUT IT DONT ALWAYS TURN OUT GOOD
I love this poem it really toucheed me
i love this poem the thing you are saying is so true
thank you for helping me with this poem.
I think that everyone should know what maya is trying to say.Every man has a little bit or more control over almost any women.If a man plays his cards right he can get anything out of a women. Finacial,mental,sexual.Only if she feels he is worth it all.
It’s an ok poem. again, you can tell that she’s an expert at writing poetry, but she never quite appeals to my moods!
-cindyxxx
while i was reading this poem i thought this is not u riting it but i didnt enjoy reading
I understand exactly were she’s coming from.As for me Ican feel everything she feels.Maya you are an inspiration to me and everone else.
This poem caught my attention right away. It was very real because many girls experience these things and it happens everyday. Men are just like this and girls have to watch out and take care of themselves.
I like that poem alot.And it is not the first time I liked one of her poems.Maya Angelou is my idol.
i actually like this poem that she wrote about men. she had some good experience about men and some bad ones. to me i think she was characterizing men in two ways.
very good liked it
i seem to understand what she wrote about men. Men can do such things, be kind one minute and then be an ass the next minute, cause at a very young age i have experinced it.