This poem touches on the issue of female circumcision. Though not common in most parts, it is still practiced in various parts of Asia and Africa. I never knew it existed until I came across an article. What struck me first was the picture of this young girl, possibly only 12, her face was one of pain. Her eyes filled with unshed tears, terror, and pleading for help. I was so touched by that that I wrote this poem. Though I know that she will have to forever suffer in pain because of the events of that day… the day she had to go through circumcision, I pray that no other girls will have to suffer the same pain. This is because, as the article wrote… unlike male circumcision where the wound heals and there is no pain later, the way that the female circumcision is done… the woman will feel pain each and every time her husband is intimate with her. It’s a never-ending suffering throughout her life. I call this poem “The Cruel Cut”
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The Cruel Cut
Her eyes staring, unseeing,
Unshed tears glistening those haunted eyes.
Her screams of pain unanswered,
As those around hear only silence.
Pain shoots up her delicate form,
The never-ending pain which lingers on.
But only she screams in rebellion,
As those around suppresses her down.
The agony has just begun,
Marking an end to all her childhood joys.
Because this is just the beginning,
Of a lifetime of sufferings for her!
Her heart and mind cursing this day,
Carving a strong reminder for the future.
“That should there be another She,
May She never suffer the cruel cut!”