The 97% -- poetry by Alyssa Rebhun

When I was 5, I didn’t know about the 97%

But I knew what my neighbor did was wrong.

When I was 8, I didn’t know about the 97%

But I knew the way that old man looked at me felt wrong.

When I was 12, I didn’t know about the 97%

But I knew the stranger begging me for nudes was wrong.

When I was 14, I didn’t know about the 97%

But I knew the way he touched me was wrong.

When I was 15, I didn’t know about the 97%

But I knew his blackmailing was wrong.

I’m 18 now, and I know about the 97%

And I now know I am a part of it,

And it fucking sucks.

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Alyssa Rebhun is an 18 year old high school student from Bethlehem, NY. She has been writing poetry for a short time, but finds a lot of joy in it. She currently works in a nursing home, where she spends most of her free time. When she's not working, she spends her time biking around, playing Minecraft, and hanging out with friends.