I just read on my online abuse message board about a girl that has to testify on Friday-----she is so afraid, as, I would be. I sat trying to encourage her and this poem came out. I really felt I had to share it with you because in it I hear a strength that I didn't even know I possessed. 

 

To Speak

12 September 2006

 

Battered, bruised

Tormented and used.

We cry out with tears.

 

Touched and raped

Living in hate,

We've been tattered all these years.

 

Frail and small

A beautiful doll,

Thought never to be strong.

 

But we stand up

And we are tough. . .

And they are all so wrong. 

 

Testifying afraid there

Shaking in that chair

Can we even do this?

 

A glimmer of hope

We will cope.

Justice we will cherish.

 

Strong we'll be

For we are FREE

A well fought-for cry.

 

For we have helped

Millions who've felt

The fear to testify.

 

 

 

You can do it, sweetie.  We ALL can do this

 

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