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They say when you cannot write, read and the words will follow

But now there is a pile of papers scattered on my floor

Resembling a human skull with a bullet hole straight through the top

--She must have been kneeling--

Pelvic bones wrapped tight in blue plastic

--we kept her naked and after ten days she made herself these panties—

How does anyone find words after that?

--she was brave this one--

--She simply would not talk--

--god…she was brave--

She was just a girl

I am just a girl

What makes us different from each other?

The colour of our skin?

The country of our skulls?

The fact that I would have caved when they brought out the broken beer bottles?

They say when you cannot write, read and the words will follow

But how can anyone find words after that?

 

 

 

Author's Notes/Comments: 

the bits in the -- are extractions from a book called 'Country of my Skull' by Antjie Krog (page 128). It is her recounting of the turth and reconsiliation following Aparthied. It is such a compelling read once you go numb from the brutality of it all or maybe that's exactly what makes it so compelling...

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last updated 18 May 2013 - 8:05pm
©30 January 2013 - 8:22pm — running_with_rabbits
2 February 2013 - 12:07pm — Moonshadow
Moonshadow's picture

I've learned that people can

I've learned that people can be god awful cruel... It's in us all in some form or other. I have read so much horrors of Africa, child witches cruelly treated, ethnic cleanising... I shudder to think of the true evils in the world wright next to me as well as the rest of the world... Strong write. Thanks! 

Dont look for me, I'll find you ~Moonshadow

4 February 2013 - 6:54pm — running_with_rabbits
running_with_rabbits's picture

Thanks Shadows there is also

Thanks Shadows

there is also A LOT of beauty and compassion in Africa, so don't hold the evil to hard to the ground, it's just as beautiful as it is violent, like all nations, all of humanity, kit has a dark and a bright side :)

 

The theory of Unbuntu alone is amazing and brilliant and a far better way to conect the midn to Africa than Aparthied, it just happens to be what I am reading and how I am feeling right now :)

Much Love

Ashley

2 February 2013 - 2:09pm — Beavis
Beavis's picture

I had to step away from this

I had to step away from this one before I could comment. All I can say is your poem is powerful, the world needs to know, and thank God you are only reading about how brutally savage life can be; that can leave more than sufficient marks on a soul.

4 February 2013 - 6:51pm — running_with_rabbits
running_with_rabbits's picture

Beavis I do not know how I

Beavis I do not know how I would ever be able to feel love if I were in your shoes and seeing and dealing with humanity and all it's darkness on a daily basis, I think I would run cold and shut down and push everyone away...then again maybe I woulodn't but I think there would be some form of damage to my faith in humanity.

 

HUGS

you are amazing my dear!

Much Love

Ashley