BITTERSWEET MAG
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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.


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Note from editors

Welcome to the online edition of Frostburg State University's Bittersweet Arts Magazine. Every day our students, faculty, and staff strive to make the world a little brighter through music, writing, painting, performing, and a myriad of other forms of expression. It is our hope that this edition captures the beauty that lives on Frostburg State University's campus.

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Icons made by Daniel Bruce, Bogdan Rosu, and Pedro Nieto Villamandos from www.flaticon.com
  • Home
  • 2022
    • Poetry
    • Short Stories
    • Artwork
  • Meet The Staff
    • 2022 Launch Party
  • Previous Editions
    • 2019 >
      • photos/graphics
    • 2018
    • 2017
  • Interviews
  • Contact