Her face is everywhere. Most people are calling for justice. I can’t get her eyes out of my head. Bright. Intelligent. Hopeful. She could have become anything wonderful. There’s so much she could have done. But we’ll never know. I can’t imagine how devastating this must be for her parents. To be the victim of such a heinous premeditated crime? I am sick to my heart.
How are rapes of minors and women politicised? How does it make a difference what religion they followed? What are we becoming as a race?
Asifa, I’m so sorry…
******
I hold her close
I breathe her in
The scent of her
It’s heroin
I watch her smile
I watch her play
I can still kiss
All her troubles away.
It won’t be forever,
I’ll have to let go
I’ve but a little longer
This I know.
The world,
Is a terrifying place
And I hate that
I can’t keep her safe.
I hate worrying
She could be taken…
Tortured or raped
Or murdered without question.
I hate that just another number
She might become
In the every rising tide
Of victims of scum.
Children…
They’re our future
But we’ve lost sight
Of taking a stand
And doing what’s right.
Murderers get bail
Rapists roam free.
I fear there’s no hope
For our society.
My head is heavy
My heart full of sorrow.
Oh children…
I’m so sorry we’ve failed
To protect your tomorrow.
I hold you so close
I breathe you in,
I shed silent tears
For this world I’ve brought you in.
