He Was Nice

Poems about love & dating from Ginza Li

**Trigger Warning:**
Coercion, reluctant consent, and painful first-time experiences.

Photo by Simon Ray on Unsplash

I. The Movies

Take me to the movies. 
	And buy me some popcorn & M&Ms. 
	Grip your arm during the scary scenes, 
	and let you kiss me in the back row. 
	You put my hand on your crotch, 
	But I pull away my touch, 
	You fumble for my jeans, 
	And slide your hand in between. 
	You ask if there’s a problem 
	But I said no. 

Photo by Devon Rogers on Unsplash

II. The County Fair

Take me to the county fair. 
	And win me a cheap stuffed bear. 
	Please hold my hand so I don’t get lost 
	Amongst the cornucopia of couples. 
	“I like you” 
	you tell me, 
	Do you like me… 
	the way I like you? 
	I nod in response, 
	But the answer was no. 

Photo by Briana Tozour on Unsplash

III. The Ferris Wheel

You take me on the ferris wheel. 
	My pulse quickens under cold steel. 
	You put your arm around my waist, 
	As we rise away from prying eyes. 
	We reach the very top. 
	My anxiety's at new heights. 
	You reach under my top. 
	I shiver from your needy touch. 
	You fumble for my pants 
	And reach underneath 
	I’m moaning and panting 
	with everyone beneath, 
	And I shiver once more. 
	“Did you come?” you asked. 
	I nodded in response 
	But the answer was no. 

Photo by Helay Hassas on Unsplash

IV. The Place After Dark

You take me to that place after dark. 
	Pull up under the shadows 
	of the heavy stone arch. 
	We get hot and heavy, 
	fog dripping with sweat and hormones. 
	Our clothes evaporate 
	in the hot box we create. 
	I feel all of your skin for the first time. 
	But this shouldn’t be my first time. 
	Panic sets in as you push in 
	It hurts. 
	Take me home… please. 
	I plead. 
	I plead. 
	I bleed. 
	I push you off. 
	Your needs, unmet, 
	you sigh in response. 
	When I said no. 
	You’re quiet on the ride back. 
	The reason I know. 

Photo by Nathan DeFiesta on Unsplash

V. My home

My parents aren’t home tonight. 
	Come over. 
	Talk to me. 
	We can put a movie on, 
	something that will turn you on. 
	I’ll jerk you off 
	while you take my shirt off. 
	Let me show you my bedroom, 
	with the stuffed bear that you won. 
	I’ll let you stuff me this time. 
	I promise. 
	You can do what you want this time. 
	I promise. 
	You wanna go to my parents’ room? 
	Okay… if that’s what you want. 
	Their bedside photo staring at me 
	with shame and disappointment. 
	Just don’t go quiet on me again. 
	Don’t start talking to other girls again. 
	I’ll be good. 
	I promise. 
	I’ll nod and say yes, 
	and never say no.