I’m a slut

but  but

but I’m not  I’m not

I’m a slot

I’m a slut

but but

what what could it mean

am I a slut?

but but

he said you’re a slut

he said look at your butt

you’re a slut

I said

but but

she said she’s a slut

no buts about it

just a slut

all smut

they all said she’s a slut

no doubt about it

but but I said

I said but

I’m no slut

I’m no slit for your bit

I’m not here for you

so fuck off and stop doin me in

he said but but

no slut here

no fear

he said but but

she said but but

they said but but

I’m not the butt of your names

your words are not my words

no fuckin way

so shut up

I’m no slut

I’m no slut walker

I’m a walker but bein a walker

don’t make me no slut

so butt out

get outta my mind

I’ll think what I want

I’ll do what I want

I’ll walk at 3 am if I want

I’ll wear big boots and kick butt

I’ll cut my hair short

I’ll leave it long

but I won’t do pussy on the street

because I’m not here for you

you pussy stalker

cos I’m no slut

you say but but

you look like a slut

you must be a slut

if you’re out a 3 am

if you don’t look girlie

you must be a fuckin feminist

they’re all sluts

that’s what they are

and I say

you got it boy

you got it girl

I’m a feminist

now fuck off

I’m no slut

d’you hear

try again

I’m no slut

they all said but but

Susan Hawthorne is the author of six collections of poetry including Cow and Earth’s Breath.