Today's poem comes from Fenna, and its about something very close to my heart.
Break Through
I really want to
I'm not that private
But it feels wrong to
Say it all out loud
From the inside
I scream out the words
From the outside
I keep being silent
From the inside
I scream out the words
From the outside
I keep being silent
Look into my eyes
I want you to break through
Hear my silent cries
Make me talk to you
From the inside
I scream out the words
From the outside
I keep being silent
From the inside
I scream out the words
From the outside
I keep being silent
I can only be free
If I can freely say
I
Was
Raped
Those last three words are about the hardest for any rape survivor to say and I'm proud and inspired by Fenna for sharing the reality of the struggle. Even now, I hesitate slightly before mentioning the title of my book, "Rape Girl" to anyone. It's gotten easier, and will continue to do so. Practice makes perfect and the word "rape" has lost most of its shaming grip upon me, and become what it should be: merely a label for the thing that happened to me, and to Fenna, and many of you. Its time for light to shine upon both the word and the experience of rape. If we all shout it together we can effect change.
Thank you so much for sharing your poem with us, Fenna!
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You're getting some amazing poems and entries for this project, Alina - totally true that practice makes perfect here, and it's so awesome of you to open this conversation, both via your book and on here. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Jess. I think it's a conversation so worth having.
DeleteA very touching poem! It's so sad that there is stigma attached to being a victim. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteWow. What a great poem. And you're so right. It's not something you did wrong, it's something wrong that was done to you. Women's rights have been so frighteningly under fire lately, it's important to keep fighting for change. ((hugs)) to you and Fenna~ <3
ReplyDeleteHuh, suddenly Blogger won't let me reply individually. *shakes fist at Blogger*.
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa and Leigh for your comments and hugs! I agree with you Leigh, women's rights have been frighteningly under fire and it feels like it's ramping up.
Love this! Hugs all around! Please know that I'm grateful to you and for you. Thank you for sharing this beautiful, powerful poem. Love the last stanza. Hugs again, Deb
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Deb. I hope you know know that the feeling is returned with bells on! <3
DeleteThis poem is beautiful! I love the stark honesty in it. Gripping and powerful.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Fenna and Alina, for sharing it!
Liza, you're so right. And I'm happy to share brilliant things. :)
DeleteProof that few words are needed to convey a powerful message. Gut-wrenching poem, as any on this subject would be. Thanks to you ladies for having the courage to speak out. You are awesome and beautiful and needed so others can heal!
ReplyDeleteIt is gut-wrenching and that's the trouble with this word/deed. I'm grateful to everyone willing to read it and see the value and strength involved in shouting it to the world.
DeleteFenna, wat een mooie en ontroerende tekst.Helaas zullen veel meisjes zich hierin herkennen.Geniet maar van jullie reis.Veel leifs, oma
ReplyDeleteBedankt oma, voor uw lieve reactie. Dit is mijn manier om toch te kunnen 'praten' over wat ik mee heb gemaakt (de woorden uitspreken is vaak moeilijk, zoals ik in het gedicht uitleg). Ik ben blij dat u het een mooie tekst vindt. En ik denk inderdaad dat veel meisjes zich hier (helaas) in zullen herkennen.
DeleteGroetjes Fenna
I want to thank everyone who has responded to my poem (it really touched me :)). I think it's great that you appreciate what I'm trying to say with it. I feel a little more free now I've done this and hope it will encourage others to speak about this as well. Thanks Alina, for posting it. I think you're amazing for starting this project.
ReplyDeletexxx
Fenna
Thanks, Fenna! It was an honor to publish your poem on my blog. Thanks so much for allowing me to. It gives me happy chills to know that it made you feel more free. Your voice is so worth sharing.
DeleteThe exchange with your oma warms my heart. I'm so glad you have a supportive family around you.
Big hugs!