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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMU chapter.

*This poem has been inspired by recent events and the current rumors that are circulating on Texas A&M’s campus. Viewers, please be aware that the following poem has references to sexual assault cases.*

Please, if you need help or have information, reach out to these numbers:

Emergency: 9-11

Bryan Police Department: 979-361-3888

Corps Cadets Escort Service: 979-845-6789

National Sexual Assault Helpline: 1-800-656-4673

TAMU Step in and Stand Up Resource Link: https://stepinstandup.tamu.edu/support-resources.html 

For a factual and more informative account of the current situation, check out Logan James’ article Texas A&M University Responds to String of Assaults Near Campus.

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*Again, this poem is largely based on rumors that are circulating in GroupChats, on social media, and in classes about the recent sexual assault cases that happened in the Bryan-College Station Area.*

Did I Remember to Deadbolt the Door?

It is November 11, 2022.  

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Rumors are circulating about the terrors night holds.

With the growing shadows twilight brings, 

New monsters gather under the wing of darkness.

So we pop our headphones out and keep our eyes peeled. 

Any corner could have someone waiting.

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But even in our homes, we are not safe.

A monster stalks young women,

A ski mask and black clothing concealing his identity, 

As he climbs through doggie doors and enters through back doors,

The police urging us, the public, to take precautions with “the suspect being at large”

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Lock your doors and hold a gun, they offer.

What gun? I’m 19. Legally unable to open carry.

So instead, I settle for flashlights and pepper spray

While houses and cars are marked:

Zip ties on trash cans and rags wrapped around exhaust pipes.

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These haunting figures watch our next move, 

Lying in wait, under our cars and in our neighborhoods, for an opportunity. 

Or even approaching a few of us, lies and schemes pour from their lips.

Just last week, a girl knocked on a door claiming a game of hide-and-seek went wrong, 

“I’ve lost my brother. Can I borrow your phone?”

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So we settle for escorts, both on and off campus.

And we pray to be safe, that the bad people will go away.

While the rumors swell and swell to epic proportions.

Not knowing how much of this horrific information is true.

Where is our Code Maroon?

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It is November 11, 2022.  

Howdy! I’m Gabriela Gomez, an avid reader who is interested in all areas of publishing and writing. And reading of course! I’m the Editor-in-Chief; I currently oversee all the publishing of articles for the Her Campus at TAMU chapter. I am overjoyed to read all the members’ articles and make any corrections that will help to elevate the article. I have been with Her Campus at TAMU since my freshman year. The first year I was a general member on the Writing and Editing committee. During that first year, I wrote a total of 23 articles and was always finding new ways to help. For my second year, I worked as the Senior Editor, publishing more than 80 articles and writing 38 articles. Now in my second semester of junior year, I have implemented a new pitch process for better organization and cleanest, I have already published more than 170 articles, and I have written 16 articles and will continue writing more! Besides working as the Editor-in-Chief, I am a dedicated student at Texas A&M studying Biomedical Sciences. I am also obtaining a minor in both English and Spanish. While not studying diligently, I work in a research lab grinding away, trying to get my name on some research papers (fingers crossed). In my free time, I read, obviously. I am also on the hunt for the best latte to ever bless this earth and love a good game of chess!