R.U.C.K.U.S.
Kayla Elsaesser

321,500 victims
How do you measure their pain each year?
In clothing, in alcohol, in acquaintances, in consciousness?
Ah, yes, tis the seasons of one-sided lovemaking
At least, that’s what a judge of the court would call it instead of
Rape.
This word shouldn’t be kept hush-hush
Sugarcoated for those whose hearts are faint
It is not “a tragic accident”
Or a “mistake”
It is a choice
And that choice was
Rape.
321,500 survivors
Cause we don’t want your pity
We want change.
We don’t care that he was a swimmer,
A teacher,
A drama prodigy,
A celebrity,
Or a scholar with dreams.
We care that he is a rapist
But you’re worried about your football team.
We are saying YES to change,
Isn’t yes your favorite word?

321,500 people
Reaching
Uplifting
Crying
Kicking
Unwavering
Starting
a R.U.C.K.U.S.