CPTnet
6 February 2009
AFRICA GREAT LAKES POEM: to Masika

by Rosemarie Milazzo

[The following was written after Milazzo met Masika, a Congolese woman who suffered brutal sexual assaults at the hands of Gen. Laurent Nkunda's rebel soldiers. See Masika’s story.]

Does the moon still shine woman of Congo
as your heart overflows tears
Can the moon light your sky
Has the spring run dry
Has the Light gone where no one knows?

Sister of Congo, we see your sobs
and hear such pain in your tears
the burden you bear, a life of fear
has barbed wire
entrapped your heart?

Can a cloth be woven to tell your tale?
What color is fear?
Where do you weave hurt?
is evil a thread?..
where does war go?
Is violence the border to contain the pain?
Will it hold a crushed spirit -
Is your life in vain?

No wounded healer,
no life's in vain!
Those women you walk with
find strength in you
The children you shelter
find safety too
Your care and compassion
heal wounds so deep.

Never despair,
there's a hope we keep
To build God's Kingdom
everywhere
The cloth we weave will hold
dreams come true
Sister, we join hands with you!