I Believe Her
By Matthew Donovan
I believe her because
her story gains her nothing.
Some of those she tells
say she’s seeking attention.
They say she’s ruining
his reputation.
I believe her because
it happens each day.
And because it’s in me
to do what she says
was done.
I believe her because she,
not I—lived it. Those that
cling to power deny it, or
say it’s forgivable
boys’ behavior.
I believe her because
we have it easy—crossing
alleyways and parking
garages; traveling alone
to the restroom. We cover
one another’s lies, even
as doing so ruins lives.
I believe her because
the wolves inside me
are only sleeping.
Matthew Donovan (he/him) is a retired, professional firefighter currently working for a local government. He was born and raised in the Bronx, and now lives in Connecticut with his wife Stephanie and their daughters. His poetry has been published in Permafrost, BarBar, Southern Quill, The Seraphic Review, and others.
Photo by Lucy Maude Ellis via a Creative Commons license.
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