Halsey, a name synonymous with powerful lyrics and relatable themes, recently took the stage at the Women’s March in New York City, delivering a poignant poem that resonates deeply with countless individuals. If you’re a fan of radio hits, you’ve likely found yourself singing along to her tracks, like “Bad at Love.” However, it’s her spoken word piece that has captured the hearts and minds of many, and the reason is painfully clear: her words reflect experiences that far too many of us share.
Women have long held a silent understanding of the trauma we’ve faced, but that silence is now shifting. It’s evolving from whispers to discussions, and finally to a collective roar. We are bravely confronting our pasts and sharing our stories.
Trigger Warning: rape/assault.
Here’s a glimpse into her powerful poem, “A Story Like Mine”:
It’s 2009 and I’m 14, feeling lost and alone,
Tears streaming as I sit with my best friend, Alex,
In the sterile waiting room of a clinic,
The buzz of my phone pulls me from my thoughts,
My mom’s voice asking if I’ve remembered my keys,
But I can’t reveal my truth to anyone.You see, Alex was violated by someone we trusted,
A shadow of a man from our after-school program.
Now, here we are, waiting for answers,
While she silently prays for a future free of fear.Fast forward to 2012, I’m with a guy,
Sleeping in his bed, but the comfort feels wrong.
He’s older, and insists I owe him,
But I just want to sleep, not be coerced into submission.By 2017, I thought I was untouchable,
Living my dreams, seemingly safe behind a screen,
But trust was shattered when a familiar face crossed a line,
And I woke up, confused, blood staining my sheets,
This was not the life I had fought for.In 2018, it dawned on me,
No one is truly safe, not as long as we stay silent.
My friends, each with their own stories,
Remind me of the strength in unity.
We rally for all, because freedom for one means freedom for all.
Halsey’s words are not just a personal account; they echo the experiences of so many, emphasizing the urgent need for awareness and action. The narrative is not solely about individual stories but a collective call for change.
We must listen to one another, transcending boundaries of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. Let’s elevate our voices for those who cannot speak, because there is much work to be done, and together, we can create a world where every story is heard.
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In summary, Halsey’s performance at the Women’s March serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles many women face, urging us all to come together, share our stories, and advocate for change.