I know pain
It has been part of me from childhood
It has shaped me into the monster that I am
I know no love
I show no love
I live through pain and tears

I know rape
It has been part of me from childhood
I’m used to men taking advantage of me
Sleeping with me and making me feel worthless
Dirt is me

I know abuse
It was part of my childhood
Daddy used to beat me
Mother used to sell me for a bottle of beer
I had to work hard to get a plate of food from aunty

I know people
Who watched me suffer but never bothered to help
They never showed me love
They laughed when I danced naked for men to survive