Cautious, by Eve Draper

I feel vulnerable walking

down the street sometimes

aware

of how easily i could be overpowered overshadowed by many

walking my way

stay alert.

Whether there is a lingering figure behind

or a figment of the mind, the fear remains the same: awareness of what is or what could be hangs

on us heavily, swapping places with the sun we move our feet faster in succession

the femininity i try to embrace feels a weakness

i increase my pace.

Art by Ellie Ross-Wilkinson @e_wilkoart

Currently a university student studying Philosophy in the UK, Eve Draper (20) spends her days reading, writing and thinking. Eve’s favourite topics to explore through poetry include mental health, femininity and her experiences as a queer woman. Cautious tells the tale of the uncomfortable feeling of vulnerability that woman are all too familiar with. You can find Eve on Instagram @evedraper_