When as a child you are

pinched, poked and prodded, then
paraded for profit,
told you're dumb and dirty 
even when you know you
are not, you do try, try
to get clean so they will
love you. But in time you
discover it is
a losing battle so
you do what can do:
you hold on to who you
are best way you can and
try to lend helping hand,
you look up with eyes as if
to prove you're true and try
to find way to forgive. 

When someone you later
treasure comes with sudden
attack, you have learned by
then: this must come from lack.
And so you walk away,
painful as it is. When
then a line is crossed you
do what you must do. And
when those whose job it is
is to intervene, make
report and they do not,
you have to make a choice. 
For years I went silent
and ignored harassment,
though I know now far more
sinister things were done. 
And there comes a time when

Better choice is to use
your voice, to speak even
when no one's listening.
And yes, sure, it gives you
a reputation. See
how they gave me that long,
long time ago. All the
lies piled on me, most by
people I have not known
or spoken to in more
than decades—these lies are
not my mantle, so if
to dismantle them means
I have reputation
that you dislike, I am
fine with that. You were not
here for me anyway.

You think you've earned the right
to pass judgment? No, I
don’t talk to anyone.
At all. Just ask crooks who
tapped my phone, like to spy
on me. Check with neighbors.
Call the police, though be
warned many have long been
bought off and did nothing
through years to help me out.
No, I do not know you
talk about me because
someone told me. I know
because I have a heart
that sees and some days I
would trade it willingly—
with this reputation.