Day 5: 2%

Sumrall, Amber Converdale, and Dena Taylor, Sexual Harassment: Women Speak Out, HQ1237.5.U6 S49 1992 1992

So he says to me ---
"But honey,
I'm so great to you
98% of the time.
Can't you overlook that 2%
when I'm such an asshole?"
Well, let's see...

2% of the time
your one voice is raised against me,
calling me a cold bitch --- a selfish cunt.

2% of the time
your one hand
is cutting off the blood supply
to my lower arm,
your 5 fingers
leaving 5 marks
there for weeks to come.

2% of the time
you're the one who could be called
a rapist,
if I didn't know you so well
and want you
some of the time.

2% of the time
you're one flaming,
drunken
lunatic,
your 2 hands at my throat,
and I'm so scared
I actually scream
before you set me free.

2% of the time
you're one faithless husband,
and I wonder
how many diseases
you're bringing home to me.

2% of the time
you haven't a clue
how much I'd like to hurt you.

So to answer your question ---
no.
(qtd. Sumrall, Taylor 166)

This poem illustrates Akiko's life after she got married to John who raped her, beaten her and always go home drunk when he is unhappy. He went to Texas and had an affair. Akiko felt so scare and unsecured when he is at home and relieve when he left. Jane on the other hand, almost got raped by John but she have the courage and strength to push him away. She is not afraid and always determine with her decision.