Bartered

BARTERED By:Clement A. Chipande I knew I was surrounded by inhumane perverts I guarded my innocence with my entire sincere heart I rebuffed snitchy men for fear it might get hurt I sniffed every compliment for a stench of flirt I did this for the dignity of what lied under my skirt I focused on my daring dream to become a law expert I knew it in my bones that I did my needful part I was introduced by my father to a man I was too young to grasp what he had done I was forced to leave my parents' house I was bartered away for two cows I was bewildered by two 'Hows' How could my own father have my bright future slain? How could two cows outvalue a mother's nine months of pain? I became pregnant before I even saw my first moon I became a mother before I giggled like a grown girl I bore a baby girl before I even got rid of my juvenile dolls After expriencing the near-death agony of giving birth I doubted if it was Mum who introduced me to Earth I swore to always fight for my daughter till death I waited for darkness to shower I wrapped my baby in a shawl I escaped cautiously to the shore I prayed hard for Moses's miracle to manifest Instead, I was grabbed by gangs in a rape contest I knew, to most of them, I was the first I was tortured I was injured I was bullied I was humiliated Hadn't they covered up my mouth, Hadn't I been too busy with the terror in my baby's eyes, I would have told them that The monster I was first introduced to by my father Hadn't only turned me into a premature mother He had also made me embark on life extenders Alas! Dear fate, Had you only glanced at me with your right eye, I wouldn't have been BARTERED off! Facebook@Clempoetry YouTube@Clempoetry