A woman too afraid to tell a stoy
Is equal to a dog too afraid to bark
Woman building up the courage
just for her words to be torn apart
But with resilience comes strength
And with strength comes wisdom
Those words used to tear these women apart
Will only help build them
Women and men alike
Both can experience such fright
Scared to walk home alone at night
College campuses, we need you to fight
We must not stay silent
Silence only leads to continuous violence
Support is unbreakable
When your community is united in defiance
No more fear, no more shame
Together, we will rise and reclaim
A world where voices are heard, not dismissed
Where every survivor’s story exists.
“She Will Bark” is a poem that uses the metaphor of a dog’s bark to represent the fear and silence that many survivors of sexual assault face, particularly in college settings. The title is directly related to the second line, “A woman too afraid to tell a story / Is equal to a dog too afraid to bark,” which highlights how the fear of speaking out can silence those who have experienced violence. The comparison to a dog’s bark suggests that just as a dog naturally expresses itself through barking, a survivor should feel free to speak their truth without fear or shame. The poem speaks to the emotional struggle of women, and men, who feel too afraid to speak up, and how societal silence only perpetuates violence. However, it also shows resilience and strength. Through adversity, survivors can find wisdom and empowerment. The poem calls for solidarity and action, emphasizing the importance of breaking the silence and creating a supportive community. The concluding lines challenge readers to take responsibility, showing that the power to create change lies in collective unity, where every voice is heard and every story acknowledged.
