Number 46 by Sophia Lovell

Sophia Lovell

Sophia is from San Diego, California. Having graduated with a degree in English and a minor in professional editing from UCSB, she is now a freelance writer of all things: articles to poetry. She is a lover of her dogs, coffee shops, mystery thrillers, and the oxford comma.

Number 46

“And tell us 

please, 

why was it that 

you did not report your rape?” 

The man to my left 

nudges his knee into mine. 

Adults truly are 

just children with a few 

more lines on their eyes. 

How many women do you think 

have suffered domestic violence? 

In this room? 

In this country? 

I kick my feet in circles— 

arcs and rays and circumferences. 

His paper-white skin 

flushes pink. 

“Don’t break a sweat, now. 

It’s only 78 degrees. 

Aren’t you glad 

you’re not in a suit and tie?” 

Beads begin to form 

on his temples 

as beads 

rush down her cheeks. 

“I’m sorry, but 

no, sir. How can 

you expect 

anybody to be impartial?” 

Thank you for your honesty; you are dismissed.