submitted by Soraya Abuelhiga, Baltimore, MD

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submitted by LaQuisha Hall, Mrs. Owings Mills International 2009, Owings Mills, MD

Butter Fly: While bent over in a dark corner, I always prayed for light. The butterfly brings brought color and protection while I suffered in darkness.

Silent No More (A poem written to the pedophile who abused me 14 years ago.)

you stabbed Me
then sniffed around with an anxious nose
Left Me naked
in a world where no one knows
am I a girl or a woman?
do you not see a distinction?
Gain a closer look at Someone in which
you should not have a relation
Thinking back
I could have kicked, yelled or screamed
Only to awaken detrimental emotions
Leaving My mind demeaned
What if I told the first time?
I could not pray, I could not sleep
you waltz into another room
all I do is weep
you are a man of valor
in their community
they all fall at your feet and praise you
where was My immunity?
when I stood up for Myself
to uncover My voice
My mother turns the other cheek
My father gives you a choice
you could live in another world
or die in his sight
but My life continues on
a battle I constantly fight
you may have stole from My future
leaving Me much to restore
but you taught Me a valued lesson for
I am silent no more.

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