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What would you call it?
Maybe it’s Because I didn’t scream.
Maybe it’s because I didn’t yell out “NO” or “DONT” or “STOP”
Maybe it’s because I didn’t forcefully push him off of me
Maybe it’s because I didn’t fight him hard enough
Maybe that’s why he decided I must’ve wanted it
Or maybe It didn’t matter whether I wanted it or not
because he believed he was entitled to it.
But whatever you do,
don’t you dare call him a rapist
Maybe it’s because I had consented in the past.
Maybe it’s because he called himself my boyfriend.
Maybe because there were other times when the passion, the desire, and the want was mutual.
Maybe it’s because I had a duty as his girlfriend, his chosen one, or his “favorite”
As he so endearingly referred to me.
Or maybe it’s because once he consecrates you as his own, it’s a fate you can’t escape
and well within his right to have his way with you.
But like I said, don’t call him a rapist.
Maybe it’s because he would throw a fit when he didn’t get his way.
Sometimes tears flowed down his face, his voice braking as he asked “baby why don’t you love me?”
Sometimes anger would flash in his eyes.
“What do you mean, no?!”
Sometimes a jealous monster would emerge.
“Must be fucking someone else”, “Prove to me you’re not a whore”
Or maybe he just knew how to pull on my emotional heart strings to get me to bend to his every whim.
But don’t call him a rapist.
But I did say no.
And I did say I didn’t want to
And I did try to push you off me.
And I did tell you I didn’t want it like this.
And with every no, with every resistance, with every boundary,
you only pushed harder.
You ignored my voice,
you minimize my feelings,
you disregarded my wants.
and you pushed harder and persistently until I just stopped fighting it.
And when I tried to avoid having my boundaries pushed, broken and violated
you turned even nastier.
Calling me names,
accusing me of sleeping around,
and claiming I was playing games.
Or maybe that’s just what you have to believe
so you don’t have to see yourself as a rapist.
So what would you call it?
Is it not rape because you love me?
Is it not rape because you didn’t tie me up, hold me down, and force yourself inside me?
It’s not intimacy
It’s a hell of a lot more convoluted than sex
And it is unquestionably not love
So tell me, love, what would you call it?
Maybe it’s because I didn’t yell out “NO” or “DONT” or “STOP”
Maybe it’s because I didn’t forcefully push him off of me
Maybe it’s because I didn’t fight him hard enough
Maybe that’s why he decided I must’ve wanted it
Or maybe It didn’t matter whether I wanted it or not
because he believed he was entitled to it.
But whatever you do,
don’t you dare call him a rapist
Maybe it’s because I had consented in the past.
Maybe it’s because he called himself my boyfriend.
Maybe because there were other times when the passion, the desire, and the want was mutual.
Maybe it’s because I had a duty as his girlfriend, his chosen one, or his “favorite”
As he so endearingly referred to me.
Or maybe it’s because once he consecrates you as his own, it’s a fate you can’t escape
and well within his right to have his way with you.
But like I said, don’t call him a rapist.
Maybe it’s because he would throw a fit when he didn’t get his way.
Sometimes tears flowed down his face, his voice braking as he asked “baby why don’t you love me?”
Sometimes anger would flash in his eyes.
“What do you mean, no?!”
Sometimes a jealous monster would emerge.
“Must be fucking someone else”, “Prove to me you’re not a whore”
Or maybe he just knew how to pull on my emotional heart strings to get me to bend to his every whim.
But don’t call him a rapist.
But I did say no.
And I did say I didn’t want to
And I did try to push you off me.
And I did tell you I didn’t want it like this.
And with every no, with every resistance, with every boundary,
you only pushed harder.
You ignored my voice,
you minimize my feelings,
you disregarded my wants.
and you pushed harder and persistently until I just stopped fighting it.
And when I tried to avoid having my boundaries pushed, broken and violated
you turned even nastier.
Calling me names,
accusing me of sleeping around,
and claiming I was playing games.
Or maybe that’s just what you have to believe
so you don’t have to see yourself as a rapist.
So what would you call it?
Is it not rape because you love me?
Is it not rape because you didn’t tie me up, hold me down, and force yourself inside me?
It’s not intimacy
It’s a hell of a lot more convoluted than sex
And it is unquestionably not love
So tell me, love, what would you call it?
Written by
Lazy_Dead
(.Julia.)
Published 29th Apr 2020
| Edited 9th Mar 2025
Author's Note
I’ve gotten a lot of response to this write. It kind of surprised me. I’ve noticed people calling me brave. I guess I never looked at it that way. For me, it was about being authentic and honest with myself. The only way out, is through. And most importantly, I’m not the one who has anything to be ashamed about, He carries that burden all on his own.
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
likes 14
reading list entries 5
comments 33
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Commenting Preference:
The author encourages honest critique.
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:15am
I sorry you went through this. Talking to people helps. Keep on writing.
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:23pm
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 9:06am
Simple for me ... a crime ... bold vulnerable write ... thank you for sharing ...
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 9:16am
Thank you. And sadly, in the eyes of the law, it’s not easy to prove and easily hushed away. And unfortunately he will never be held responsible.
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 10:06am
There is no excuse for domestic violence and this applies to men and women.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can tell this came from the heart.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I can tell this came from the heart.
0

Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:27pm
I definitely came from the heart. Thank you for the support. This is definitely more healing than I expected. You are right there is no excuse for it, but for years I was given so many excuses and even excused his behavior myself.
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 1:34pm
Let it all hang out, and without a doubt, keep ripping that stuff..
that s.o. b. that hurt you, definitely did not deserve you,
(Ms. Intelligence!)
..you are a diamond in the rough!
...you’ve only just begun
that s.o. b. that hurt you, definitely did not deserve you,
(Ms. Intelligence!)
..you are a diamond in the rough!
...you’ve only just begun
0

Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:29pm
Thank you! Your support is really encouraging and more helpful than you know. You are right, he didn’t deserve me. Ironically, he would tell me that all the time...yet he would never let me leave. Getting away wasn’t and sorting through all these feelings isn’t either.
Re. What would you call it?
This is a very Brave and Powerful Write!!! Your exquisite writing design in a poem to describe your personal tragedy cuts deeply to the core. I am genuinely affected and equally impressed by your poetic outline of your indescribable pain. There are no words to define my compassion for you and disdain for the heartless villain in your poem. You have displayed an unprecedented amount of courage through your words dearest Poetess!!! ...with the deepest respect, Stay Strong and Beautiful!!!!
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:32pm
Thank you for such a strong comment and feedback! It is not easy to put myself out there so vulnerable, but knowing that people are moved or inspired by my experiences and my pain makes it all worth it. Thank you!
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 6:37pm
I'm so sorry you went through that nightmare, nobody deserves to be treated that way!
I hope you can find release by writing it all down.
I hope you can find release by writing it all down.
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:33pm
For a while, I believed I deserved it. So thank you! And the writing and the support has been incredibly healing and helpful.
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 7:16pm
If this poem is based on true events, I hope that you're not still in a relationship with this man. Good write.
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:35pm
It is very true and horrifically real. And thankfully, I am no longer with that man. Thank you for the support and for reading!
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:18pm
You leave me speechless. It's writing like this that gives my half of the species a tantalising insight into the intricate workings of the female mind, and unfortunately how easy it is for us to mess it up with our ignorance and arrogance. Not all men will treat a woman with such disrespect, and on the subject of accusation of rape, I know what its like to be cast under that shadow when my x wife tried to tarnish me during our bitter divorce. (and she was the one cheating on me!!)
I'm sorry to learn you've been dragged through the pits of hell only to walk out a champion. Your poetic genius should be displayed on an international platform. From great suffering and hardship comes tremendous success. I wish you nothing but the happiness you deserve for the rest of your days my sweet Lady.
XXX
I'm sorry to learn you've been dragged through the pits of hell only to walk out a champion. Your poetic genius should be displayed on an international platform. From great suffering and hardship comes tremendous success. I wish you nothing but the happiness you deserve for the rest of your days my sweet Lady.
XXX
0

Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:50pm
Wow that is quite a powerful comment! Thank you so very much. I am blown away by the feedback and response to something that was not easy to share or live through. But knowing that my experiences can provide insight, inspire, or help someone else gives it some meaning. I suppose that is the beauty in suffering and the ultimate goal of my writing. You all are helping me heal in ways I didn’t expect, thank you 😊
And I’m not surprised by your ex...shifting blame is what they do. He was a cheater, constantly denied it, the truth eventually would come out. But he accused me of cheating daily and controlled my every move because he was so certain of it. It was a literal hell
And I’m not surprised by your ex...shifting blame is what they do. He was a cheater, constantly denied it, the truth eventually would come out. But he accused me of cheating daily and controlled my every move because he was so certain of it. It was a literal hell
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:30pm
Incredibly touching... just as your last. I am in tears... My heart goes out to you, for no one deserves to have been dealt such pain. I'm so sorry you had to go through such horrible things. It truly pains my heart to hear it :(
I am happy you are letting some of these emotions out... it is good cleansing for the soul, and I am sure others who have experienced these same kind of things will appreciate your bravery.
I am happy you are letting some of these emotions out... it is good cleansing for the soul, and I am sure others who have experienced these same kind of things will appreciate your bravery.
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:53pm
Thank you! It has been so helpful to let out these emotions. And honestly, to have a voice again. For so long it was silenced and ignored.
Re: Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 8:55pm
I'm sure it has been very empowering :)
Keep it up! We will keep reading you!!
Keep it up! We will keep reading you!!
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Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 9:24pm
Their are many kinds of abuse in relationshipS the end result is we all need healing . May you find the the insight that Need, the healing to go forward and the understanding on how to endure and help others along the way.
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Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 11:38pm
I too have experienced raped ( even by my ex husband) as well as sexual abused. I relate the feeling of anger, sadness, and confused betrayal. These lines stood out to me :
"Maybe it’s because I had consented in the past.
Maybe it’s because he called himself my boyfriend.
Maybe because there were other times when the passion, the desire, and the want was mutual.
Maybe it’s because I had a duty as his girlfriend, his chosen one, or his “favorite”
As he so endearingly referred to me.
Or maybe it’s because once he consecrates you as his own, it’s a fate you can’t escape
and well within his right to have his way with you.
But like I said, don’t call him a rapist.
Keep fighting. Breaking the silence keeps him from keeping you in his hell.
"Maybe it’s because I had consented in the past.
Maybe it’s because he called himself my boyfriend.
Maybe because there were other times when the passion, the desire, and the want was mutual.
Maybe it’s because I had a duty as his girlfriend, his chosen one, or his “favorite”
As he so endearingly referred to me.
Or maybe it’s because once he consecrates you as his own, it’s a fate you can’t escape
and well within his right to have his way with you.
But like I said, don’t call him a rapist.
Keep fighting. Breaking the silence keeps him from keeping you in his hell.
0

Re: Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 4:10am
Thnak you. There’s are so many layers to the pain. For years I defended and even protected him. Breaking the silence involves breaking down my own denial too. Thnak you for sharing your struggles too.
Re. What would you call it?
29th Apr 2020 11:55pm
Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 00:02am
a very painful and soul sharing write on a terribly difficult subject
you are brave sounds so terribly manipulative and abusive
I ache for you pain I am terribly bipolar and have delusional episodes
I was manipulated in to having sex with someone when I was very ill
so sick I wasn't even sure it really happened at first...
sadly it was true another what you would call a grey area
it's reprehensible for someone to bully you into having sex
that is rape...
much love to you you're a brave lady ❤
you are brave sounds so terribly manipulative and abusive
I ache for you pain I am terribly bipolar and have delusional episodes
I was manipulated in to having sex with someone when I was very ill
so sick I wasn't even sure it really happened at first...
sadly it was true another what you would call a grey area
it's reprehensible for someone to bully you into having sex
that is rape...
much love to you you're a brave lady ❤
1

Re: Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 4:16am
Thank you for sharing your story with me. I am so sorry that you have expierneced similar violation and betrayal. It is so awful the cruelty that people are capable of. Pressuring, coercing, forcing intimacy shouldn’t be a gray area. It is wrong and an absolute conscious violation of another person body and soul.
Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 4:12am
I am truly sorry that you had to go through this. I am also sorry that we live in a society that tolerates and coddles the rapist and disregards the victim. Stay strong.
Less importantly, but still important, I like your writing and it does help some!
Less importantly, but still important, I like your writing and it does help some!
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 6:37am
Thank you for the support. I too, am sorry and disappointed in society. And thank you for liking my writing. I’m not everyone’s cup of tea!
Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 6:31am
Re: Re. What would you call it?
30th Apr 2020 6:42am
As a writer, I love to hear that you had a strong emotional response. As a highly sensitive empathic person, I want to rescue you from it! Glad you enjoyed it. I am still writing it out...
Re. What would you call it?
Julia, this is a powerful piece that should be read by every woman and especially man. No one should ever feel duty bound to succumb to abuse or rough and sadistic treatment of any kind. No one is property to another and we all have reasoning minds. I like the repetition of the rape statement and the way you concluded that sequence of statements These were the passages that touched me most:
"So what would you call it?
Is it not rape because you love me?
...It’s not intimacy
It’s a hell of a lot more convoluted than sex
And it is unquestionably not love"
You are a courageous soul. Bravissima❣❣
"So what would you call it?
Is it not rape because you love me?
...It’s not intimacy
It’s a hell of a lot more convoluted than sex
And it is unquestionably not love"
You are a courageous soul. Bravissima❣❣
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
1st May 2020 1:05am
That is the heart of the poem I believe. Because that’s where I take my power back. I shove it right in his face and leave it there for him to think about. I didn’t leave much room for him to interpret what he did as anything else. It was a strong statement for me. So thank you for noticing that. Now, he will never read it but will he ever see what he did as anything wrong, but oh well.
Thank you again for your thorough and thoughtful comment. I appreciate it!!
Thank you again for your thorough and thoughtful comment. I appreciate it!!
Re. What would you call it?
1st May 2020 5:02am
I can relate I grew up with child abuse and I write about it alot thanks for sharing it was truly great write and sorry to hear you went through this
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Re: Re. What would you call it?
1st May 2020 5:05am
Thank you for reading and commenting. Abuse is an awful thing. I look forward to reading your work and learning from your experiences.