The Cornell 7

The Cornell 7 brought back a memory, One I thought had faded into history. Buried so deep, I thought it was gone, Until that story brought the whole thing on. I was in Uni, carefree and young, With laughter in my heart and songs on my tongue. I got too close to someone I knew, Someone I thought was a friend, like you do. But he took my closeness for something more, And suddenly I was trapped behind his door. He tried to take my clothes away, While I fought with everything I had to stay. I fought and fought, I screamed and cried, I used every ounce of strength inside. But all he did was laugh at me, And that was the scariest thing to see. He thought it was foreplay, some kind of game, While I was fighting to remain the same. He couldn’t see the terror in my eyes, Couldn’t hear the desperation in my cries. It felt like an hour, or maybe more, Until suddenly came a knocking at the door. And in that moment, with my chance in sight, I broke away and ran with all my might. I ran through the door and never looked back, Leaving that nightmare behind in my track. To this day, I don’t know who came that night, But whoever they were, they saved my life. I bless them still, whoever they may be, For coming at the moment they did for me. They came at the right time, when I needed a way, And gave me the chance to escape that day. I never reported it. Shame held me tight, And there was no penetration, so somehow I thought, Maybe it didn’t count. Maybe I should forget. But some memories refuse to loosen their grip. And now, after all these years have passed, That memory still lingers, stubborn and vast. And one question keeps haunting me: Did I lead him on by going to his room? No. Going to his room was not consent. Being friendly was not an intent. Trusting someone was not a crime, And fighting to escape was my right all the time. The shame was never mine to bear. The blame was never mine to wear. I know that now, though it took me years Some memories fade, but some survive through tears.