Self-Defense | Jeanette Wakeford

(Trigger Warnings: Implications of violence against women, sexual assault, self-defense)

If a rose has thorns,

What do I have to protect myself? 

What has God blessed me with

In terms of self-defense?

Are my nails sharp enough to 

Slice or Stab?

Can they collect genetic evidence?

Are my teeth akin to wolf fangs?

Ready to compress and mark flesh until

My jaw locks?

Are they damaging enough to leave a trace?

If I carry pepper spray or 

Take self-defense classes

Am I doubting my natural ability to 

Defend myself?

Am I carrying too negative of a worldview? 

Am I forcing myself to be on alert all the time?

Or am I simply being realistic? 

After all, there is a reason why women

Choose the bear

Is there not?