IF I REMAINED SILENT

If I remained silent,
I may have protected him
Someone’s son is in jail
And now what?
My story is on everyone’s lips
And I am pointed at
My past is now an open secret
That’s the subject of their malicious laughter

But I heeded the call of courage
And I spoke up about my pain
Because nobody deserves to be in my shoes
I told the world of how I was robbed
Shattered for being a female
Made their son pay for his crimes
Loved myself though I am pointed at
Told myself none of it was my fault
Opened my scar to the world and believed it’s a part of my healing
Yes! That’s what I told myself
Ladeh