If only I knew
that high school and college
were hunting grounds
for people like you.
The ones that worked hard
with all their money,
physical talent, and popularity.
Those predators were untouchable.
Little did I know that being
in an empty hallway,
a bus ride at night,
or walking home from school
was a dangerous act.
If only I knew that predators
come in all forms,
and not all monsters
have hideous faces.
The word of a quiet, unknown girl
would never match
the thoroughbred males
that dominated my world.
If speaking up would only lead
to more labels, accusations, and bullying,
why say anything at all?
The shame and guilt
was already overwhelming.
Why add insult to injury — literally?
Sarah Doughty, Excerpt from ‘Testify!,’ Darker Objects
“Working with such a talented group of individuals is always an honor and I’m always amazed at the results when Christine rallies us together..”
-Sarah Doughty
Sarah Doughty is a Smashwords Most Downloaded Author of fiction and poetry, including a contributor to publications online and in print, including We Will Not Be Silenced, and Crown Anthologies. As a survivor, Sarah writes to cope with her complex PTSD. She lives in Indiana with her family.
Indie Blu(e) Publishing 