I was unfair to him, of course, but where would I have been without unfairness? In thrall, in harness. Young women need unfairness, it's one of their few defenses. They need their callousness, they need their ignorance. They walk in the dark, along the edges of high cliffs, humming to themselves, thinking themselves invulnerable.
The speaker reflects on their treatment of a man, acknowledging an unfairness that seems inherent to their relationship. This unfairness, however, is framed as a necessary aspect of their growth and independence. The speaker suggests that embracing a certain level of callousness and ignorance serves as a protective armor for young women as they navigate their lives.
Young women, in their journey of self-discovery, often find strength in their defiance against expectations. The metaphor of walking along cliffs symbolizes the precariousness of women's lives, where their perceived invulnerability allows them to traverse challenges. Through this lens, unfairness becomes a tool for empowerment rather than merely a source of guilt.
