Cassandra speaks the truth
but all we hear
are riddles.
She stands in the ruins
of the battle she lost.
Holds out her arms with
bruises like confessions.
We study their pattern,
their shape,
their color
before asking,
Where is your proof?
Cassandra speaks to Congress.
Testifies on the stand.
Cries on morning talk shows.
She is offered sympathy
then called crazy.
We ignore her battered body.
But Cassandra
keeps talking.
Warning us of danger
to our sisters.
Our daughters
We have questions.
If you were groped.
Drugged.
Raped.
Used like collateral
in a rich man’s game
Why wait so long?
Why now?
You’re nothing more
than a jilted lover.
Hungry for attention.
For money.
Destroying
a good man’s name.
Cassandra is screaming.
Her world fractures.
She remembers innocence
before he stole it away.
Cursed by the gods
of power and wealth.
Driven to speak truth
never to be believed.
Better ridiculed
than erased