COLOMBIA POEM: Behind the Walls
February 21st, 2008
in:
CPTnet
21 February 2008
COLOMBIA POEM: Behind the Walls
by Charletta Erb
[Author's note: This poem formed in my mind as I reflected on a community struggling with how to respond to violence committed by neighbors within their households. Communities in the midst of war often experience an increase in violence against women and children.]
21 February 2008
COLOMBIA POEM: Behind the Walls
by Charletta Erb
[Author's note: This poem formed in my mind as I reflected on a community struggling with how to respond to violence committed by neighbors within their households. Communities in the midst of war often experience an increase in violence against women and children.]
Behind the Walls
Love immersing the river
A door opens for me to enter
To hug, to sit, to smile
A hand to hold
Courage to shout through walls
Digo la verdad! (I tell the truth)
Prayers shake out our anger
Outside, voices rise
Heat in the air
In their voices
O Dios mio, no! (Oh my God, no!)
Yet we come not to judge
But to decide to protect
Mandarin to cool
She opens the door to stand
Aqui yo estoy para frente (Here I am out front, up front)
Si, digo la verdad!
My community
Will support me, protect me
She breathes heavy, but poised
Out from behind the walls
Love immersing the river
A door opens for me to enter
To hug, to sit, to smile
A hand to hold
Courage to shout through walls
Digo la verdad! (I tell the truth)
Prayers shake out our anger
Outside, voices rise
Heat in the air
In their voices
O Dios mio, no! (Oh my God, no!)
Yet we come not to judge
But to decide to protect
Mandarin to cool
She opens the door to stand
Aqui yo estoy para frente (Here I am out front, up front)
Si, digo la verdad!
My community
Will support me, protect me
She breathes heavy, but poised
Out from behind the walls