"Sub-zero" by Dynamite June (Sagadahoc County)

A man in charge of women’s rights, 
Before women are allowed to govern themselves. 
Carelessly made decisions. 
Decidedly we are suppressed. 
Election option for rights for women: Failed! 
Frightened are those of the same sex. 
Going to lose any power we could have soon grasped, 
Hatred now shall come from us women, for we are being made small.
In the darkness I stand. 
Just as the light shined, it faded, 
Keeping us in the old days. 
Let us handle it, they said. Let us handle your rights. 
Men do not have to be frightened, for it does 
Not affect them, 
Only gives them more  
Power. 
Quiet, I’m always told to be quiet. But I don’t want to be quiet. 
Rights revoked. 
Scared, hoping for help that will not come. 
TV in the background of a restaurant, spewing the news we want to deny. 
United, but are we really? 
Violation of us. 
Widows and single women are witches again. Fear the fire. 
‘Xactly how it was before. 
Your choice no more. 
Zero again. Cold, how cold I feel.

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Dynamite June is an artist in 8th grade who lives in Bath. “Sub-zero” was inspired by the 2024 election. Dynamite June loves to combine her art with her writing. One of her goals is to study in Japan. She wants to write books and create her anime story ideas into shows and films.