I’m sorry that you were a girl
Birthed to live like a bird
Always looking out for stones
Sorry that you were born in a country
Where you were hunted like prey.
Your sin was being a woman

I’m sorry for all the times you felt unsafe
Watching your father and I
Drink and fight
Engage in sexual activities in your presence

I’m sorry that the justice system failed you
When he forced himself on you
I wasn’t there when you needed me

He followed you again
Raped you once again, but this time he took your life.
Burned your body to ashes