I Am One of Them by Jennifer Lagier

It was 1969,
a summer
of date-rape
mislabeled free love.

The guy was
a friend of a friend.
I only knew him as John.
He invited me over
for a toke after work,
poured a glass of Red Mountain.

Even now,
I feel him
blocking my screams,
using his mouth
as a weapon.

Stoned, I couldn’t
fight back,
endured pain, humiliation,
seethed at becoming
one more of his victims.

After, I drove myself home,
smeared thick makeup
over visible bite marks,
scratches and bruises.

Never told a soul.

Still flinch
from nightmares
of unwanted touch.

Jennifer Lagier has published twelve books and in literary magazines, taught with California Poets in the Schools, co-edits the Homestead Review, helps coordinate Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium Second Sunday readings. Newest books: Scene of the Crime (Evening Street Press), Harbingers (Blue Light Press). Forthcoming chapbook:, Camille Abroad (FutureCycle). Website: http://jlagier.net