By: Akol Arop Akol
Because of my age and gender
I am mistreated, disrespected and hated
Because am young, poor, I cannot defend myself
Yes I have the voice but still voiceless
My eyes cannot see good things around me
My heart needs good peaceful people
But all I meet in life are hostile ones
I have no place to rest and enjoy
Picking something from my land they command Hoi
Chasten, chased and displaced
I wonder where I really belong.
I wonder what went wrong!
That I speak out but world is earless
Leaving me in fears and taking my dears
Where have my friends gone?
Where have my relatives gone too?
I was told they have perished
They were stabbed and others starved
They left me in pain
And I won’t see them again
Gone so early and left me lonely
Now I run up, down and turn around
I don’t find where to belong as my own
Is Earth or world my home to live in till old?
If am a foreigner, why did I first come here
I was told to strengthen my heart and soul
But my parent and siblings were scattered all
No food, no water, no cloth and no shelter
I am here gathering stones while the rest with gold
I am misused and humanly abused
Where is my right? Where is my home?
A child born in crisis has his rights also in crisis
When, how and where should I explain?
And who will listen when I complain?
World is deaf and am lonely left
People used to come and they go
Treating me like parasite and they enjoy in paradise
I am so tired of being in bondage
I was not born to be a slave or loser
I am a human no matter being a man or woman
They must respect and value me
And they should not rob me of my freedom
World must not clear my garden
I am a young person with fertility
I have fresh mind and strong bones
I can struggle and achieve my goals
I can work and build my country
Listen to me stranger, you won’t miss a curse
Because you like oppressing me
You will face hardship like me
But I don’t wish you to be like this
What I need is to give me peace
I am a human to be given choice
And I have a right to raise my voice
Truth must set all of us free
You may be superior but don’t brag
Don’t be harmful to my thoughts and emotions
My heart may get broken so painfully
Why do you want to exploit me?
Why do want to reduce me
Forget my age, forget my weight
Everyone has a background and destination
And life connects us together as one creation
Whether young or old, we have similarities
If I go astray, show me the right way
