Your Fault
“Your fault” is an expression of the infuriating victim blaming that happens in cases of sexual assault. Initially, it was a poem in couplets, but the revised draft is now in tersets that end in a single question.
The idea here is to use the “unsaid” part of the poem in a way that allows the reader to reach their own conclusion. One of my goals with the revision was to reduce the repetition of “your fault”. The title says it already, and having it in every line felt a little too heavy.
I like to think that as one reads through the piece, the questions become increasingly outrageous, climaxing with the question “Are you a woman?”.
Overall, I don’t rely on a rhyme scheme or form, but the weight of the idea to carry the poem through.
Your Fault
Were you out at night?
Did you wear a dress?
It’s your fault.
Did you go out with guys that night?
Why didn’t you take guys with you for protection?
It’s your fault.
Do you use social media?
Was he a juvenile?
It’s your fault.
Do you have feelings?
Do you breathe?
Do you touch, speak, laugh, drink, eat?
Are you a woman?
Your Fault
Were you out at night? It’s your fault.
Did you wear a dress? It’s your fault.
Did you go out with guys that night? It’s your fault.
Why didn’t you take guys with you for protection? It’s your fault.
Do you use social media? It’s your fault.
Was he a juvenile? You are a statutory rapist.
Do you have feelings? Do you breathe? Do you touch, speak, laugh, drink, eat?
Are you a woman? It’s your fault.
Of course! It’s your fault.