the memory is an old one I am 16 maybe 17 deeply asleep in my bedroom my sanctuary someone is touching me caressing my body kissing my mouth I cannot open my eyes I cannot move at all I fight against the sleep holding me in a vice panicked trying to rouse myself as I … Continue reading Anatomy of a Flashback – Christine E. Ray
I do.
It is the flood of emotion that always makes me flee. The triggers are unpredictable but the reaction is not. It is like someone is ripping my chest open, using a rib spreader, exposing the fragile membranes around my heart to the glare of light. I clutch my hand to my chest, as though I … Continue reading Flashback
I originally wrote this piece in October of 2016. In honor of the Weinstein verdict, I am sharing it again. Maybe, just maybe, our culture is starting to shift just a little. Social media has been buzzing this morning with the reveal of Donald Trump’s misogynistic and vulgar comments about women in 2005. They are … Continue reading What Every Woman Knows
always said with venom always intended to punish “how dare you?!” it asked insinuating that she was uppity presumptuous a ball breaker to draw a circle around her body loudly declare it ‘mine’ was she 12 the first time she was called bitch? or was it 16 when she tired of boys of men acting … Continue reading The Name They Call Her
who were you before the War fought over the disputed territory of your budding woman-child’s body can you recall the you you were before borders were violated in relentless invasion when control was wrestled away trust broken innocence lost drops of rich red blood dripped on newly fallen snow who were you before the War? … Continue reading Who Were You Before the War?
Brave & Reckless 