In a way, it’s comforting to remember
America hates women.

It’s not that I did everything except get on my knees and beg
school administrators and school committee members
It’s not that I didn’t beg legislators enough
It’s not that I didn’t smile at the teachers’ union enough
It’s not that I didn’t show up enough.

On the other hand, you can sacrifice your mental and physical health,
your financial stability, your time with the child you’re trying to protect
and you will still fail.

And the questions I keep asking myself: What if I was a dad instead of a mom?
What if I was a man?
Would I have both sacrificed less AND succeeded?

What a fucking gaslighting.