The inspiration for this came from a retelling of a brutal practice in Africa. The AIDS epidemic is worse in Africa then anywhere on the planet and the rumor circulated in some areas that a way to "cleanse" oneself of the disease, was to lie with a child. This practice continues unabated. Akia is a fictional character and as all writers do, I will attempt to gain some understanding of myself and human nature as her tale unfolds.
From horrific beginnings she sprung
left for dead and discarded
She was the victim of a tortuous lie
a rumor that sent her to her brutality
she was the totem, never mind why
of a desperate measure of causality
Six of them there were, brothers they say
their number three times her age
unable to fight - tiny set upon prey
they destroyed her in a wave
Free of their disease each of them thought
as they scurried relieved and ashamed
what cost incurred and violence brought
and the battered innocence was named
Her name was Akia she whispered it soft
to herself as the blood flowed away
she tried to stifle a gurgled cough
but her final peace it would betray
Mali heard the choke and rushed to see
what desperate lungs had called
the sight of the girl dropped her to a knee
and her fists clenched appalled
A tiny broken angel wept tears of "why"
and shook with a quickening cease
her blood stained the earth in a sickening dye
her heart slowed to her final peace
In a flash she was swept away to a place
in Mali's thundering accord
A soft brown hand wiped off her small face
and a soft voice continued assured
"I got you now chile and never to see
the face of such evil no more
I'm gonna keep you forever with me
and protect you - that for sure"
That night by the light of the fading moon
Akia was saved from the ground
She was nursed away from inevitable swoon
and slept undreaming to the sound
Of Mali and her singing of peace to come
and the beauty of the spirit
but try as she may, she couldn't succumb
to the light, she couldn't get near it
A decade passed and Mali kept her oath
as Akia grew and found order
Her past always at night like a ghost
surrounding each thought like a border
But memories only and light made anew
the day kept the spirits still
The sun shone, the grass and she grew
kept safe unafraid...until
Outstanding, Brian, profound, drawn from compassion. That such a lie could spread brings to mind a "literary mood" I wrote that's here on the AD site called "Ashtowata." You may find that interesting. Thank you for your comments on "Mother of Our Flesh." ~~Nordette
I read this the other day and had to come back because the truth
behind this poem is a truth of absolute horror...reading this felt like I had been punched in the stomach, that is good, the poem has done its job and delivered the message! Hoping this reaches far and wide and helps to turn some light bulbs on that have been off for far too long!
This is a lie that needs to be fully torn up and seen for what filth it is; as you have done with this write and I hope to God it touches the people that have been darkened by such lies and brings light to them before another child suffers.
Brian,
I too viewed the same documentary, and was appalled to say the least at the viciousness and cruelty, that lie within the beliefs of the diseased.
I know they say that when one is faced with certain death, they would reach for any means to try and save themselves..but I'm afraid I would rather die than to inflict such upon a child.
I'm afraid humanity is lost in this disease inflicted world of ours.
This is a wonderful write, Brian, and I hope it brings light on a subject that many need to be aware of.
Thank You.
From the author of Jupiter Remembered and Until It’s Time: Embracing Life In Our Later Years comes Petals of Love: Poetry of a Woman’s Soul – a heartfelt collection spanning more than thirty-five years. Through tender reflections, these poems offer g
A people’s heart can be found in their poetic words. In history men and women have stood firmly upon their soapboxes and street corners, rallying the deepest beliefs of people to rise up and be heard. The poetrypages.com has offered that voice a new
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This is one not to be read lightly. A powerful, important work you have penned--one for the library. Thank you, Sir!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :)
God bless,
Sandie.
I read this the other day and had to come back because the truth
behind this poem is a truth of absolute horror...reading this felt like I had been punched in the stomach, that is good, the poem has done its job and delivered the message! Hoping this reaches far and wide and helps to turn some light bulbs on that have been off for far too long!
Love tinka
I too viewed the same documentary, and was appalled to say the least at the viciousness and cruelty, that lie within the beliefs of the diseased.
I know they say that when one is faced with certain death, they would reach for any means to try and save themselves..but I'm afraid I would rather die than to inflict such upon a child.
I'm afraid humanity is lost in this disease inflicted world of ours.
This is a wonderful write, Brian, and I hope it brings light on a subject that many need to be aware of.
Thank You.
Lisa