I said, I am a little girl
he said, you never were
I said, I am not ready
he said, then tell me when you are
I said, I am too young for this
he said, you are not really
I said, I think I am afraid
he said, you're being silly


not me
not me


I said, I do not understand
he said, you are pretending
that would seem to contradict
the message you are sending
I said, you must be lonely
he said, I would not worry
I said, I think I'm dreaming
or I'm growing in a hurry


this is not me
not me


he took somebody by the hair
and dragged her down the hall
he took her to the bathroom
where they could not hear the call
he took her to a little room
she could not find the key
but I don't know who it was because
I know it was


not me
not me


and when will you stop running
from a human situation?
he said, do you think your silences
are helping this relation?
do you think your solitude
will teach you to be free?
I said, I don't know who you're talking to
I know it is not me


not me
not me


(June 1981)