Risen From the Mud

A tribute to Sri Lanka Gold medalist Susanthika A Lotus bud was hidden in the mud of a jungle stream Dark skin, curly hair Black mare runs Against the wind Across the fields On the rocks In the jungle Barefoot Barefoot Thorns prick her little feet No cry, No sighs Bones protruding scar face, Rewards of starvation Her childhood Had to run miles to school Barefoot Barefoot She rose from the mud To the national games No spikes, no sandals Barefoot Barefoot Our black mare Ran across the Oceans To Sydney Olympics Like an arrow, against the wind Rose for the nation in the contest Girl Rising