In honor of April being Sexual Assault Awareness month, I am sharing with you a very personal poem I wrote about one of my friends. My close friend was sexually abused by his father for almost his entire life. Many do not realize how many boys are sexually assaulted because the focus is primarily on girls. According to 1in6.org, 1 in 6 men have been sexually abused or assaulted.
By the time my friend came forward with what had been going on behind closed doors, it was too late. The pain was too much for him and he took his own life. This poem is in the point of view of him. I am a very empathetic person so I was able to put myself in his shoes while writing this. For some of you, this may be a very tough read.
IF YOU KNOW A VICTIM OF SEXUAL ASSAULT, SPEAK UP.
YOUR VOICE COULD SAVE A LIFE.
I was my father’s toy.
And hope that god can hear my prayers.
Out of nowhere he appears.
My lungs are filled with doom.
And I’m out of luck.
So she starts throwing chairs.
And pretends that what daddy is doing isn’t true.
I know he’s the devil in disguise.
So I continue to weep.
I wonder what it’s like to be free.
I always have an excuse.
And watching the blood from my wounds pour.
And think I’m just a pest.
But I still felt so frail.
Where a good life was guaranteed.