Girl Rising

To live under oppression is terrible watching every word you utter never quite sure what sets him off what he laughs at one day, the next a flying fist smashes you to the floor Always fearful, guts in a spin of tension listening at night for the creak of stairs knowing you will be brutally raped just an object, a chattel to be used the heartache, pain and despair. The feeling of helplessness abounds you wake one morning to find all is quiet, not even sounds of snoring fearfully you walk through the house. Then, there he lies bloated not moving he has drowned in his own vomit a kind policeman takes your hand leads you off to see a doctor Who is shocked by your battered body tenderly they question you stunned into silence by your words you are taken to a pretty home A kindly woman cares for you suddenly at the age of 14 you are finally free of him can go out when you like even finally have some friends And are able to say what you want with no fear of flying fists lashing out baffled, bewildered you slowly adapt savouring the greatest gift of all Freedom, yes Freedom, so priceless the chains of oppression have slipped away after 14 years of being humiliated and oppressed suddenly a new world opens up before you where the choices are limited only by yourself FREEDOM written 07/ 21/2013 contest: Girl Rising