Wednesday, August 2, 2017

Poets United Midweek Motif ~ Human Trafficking

UNWHT Official Seal.jpg
(Check out the events and the videos here.)


Quote from the WOHT: 


"The International labour Organization estimates that 21 million people are victims of forced labour globally. This estimate also includes victims of human trafficking for labour and sexual exploitation."





   #HumanTrafficking 

#EndHumanTrafficking



“[S]ex trafficking  and mass rape should no more be seen 
as women's issues than slavery  was a black issue 
or the Holocaust  was a Jewish issue. 
These are all humanitarian concerns, transcending 
any one race, gender, or creed.” 
― Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn


Midweek Motif ~ 
Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is so widespread, 
I wonder how I escaped it and if
I know anyone involved. 
I read the news 
and feel powerless. 

Do we each have a right to 
our own body and its labors?

Can we write poems about this?

Your Challenge:  In your new poem, 
bring a character or event to life. Stick to the "human trafficking" motif.




1 August 2017


                                                    THE FREEDOM FIGHTER ACTIVISTS


Anonymous

It was brought to me a year ago,
I had heard it before;
but now it was freshly in my mind.
Girls were being kidnapped.
Girls were being forced,
    to do the unimaginable.
. . . . 
(Read the rest at Power Poetry.)
Anonymous
 “I am a human being…
and I have been sold. 
    I make the cell phones we use…
   I clean the neighbor’s house…
  I pick the tomatoes we eat…
     I’m on the Internet…in the local motel…on the street corner…
     But no one really sees me."
. . . . 
(Read the rest at the blog Human TraffickingApr 23, 2014 .)

And Now a Word from Our Sponsor

by Jon Wesick
the mantra that dispels powerlessness
and despair. This is the truth
not a lie.
the human trafficking hotline.
Learn it by heart. Teach it to others
and your merit will increase a thousand fold.
if you see the signs of modern-day slavery.
Call when you see bruises and signs of abuse.
Call when someone seems submissive and afraid.
Call when they can’t speak for themselves,
when they’re always accompanied by their boss,
when they don’t control their money and ID.
Call when they’re transported to and from work
or when they live and work in the same place.
Call when they owe their employer a “debt.”
Call when they can’t leave their jobs.
This is the great mantra,
the vivid mantra, the best mantra.
Set forth this mantra and dial

🌏

Please share your new poem using Mr. Linky below and visit others in the spirit of the community—

Next week Sumana's Midweek Motif will be "Kintsugi: Art of Mending."



30 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to working with NEXT week's prompt, because "Human Trafficking" is simply beyond my poetic capabilities. Enjoy the rest of your week, everyone!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I know. I nearly changed it because of the horror, but then didn't. I totally understand and look forward to seeing you next week.

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    2. No, this is awesome. This is a fantastic topic. We have to talk about it, to give the girls voices.

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  2. Thank you for another interesting prompt

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  3. So, I couldn't focus on one individual, unless it is the one who doesn't see. I applaud you who have picked up this challenge. May your amazing poems help someone see, help someone escape, help someone stop the traffic in humans. Have a good day!

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  4. A very thought provoking and challenging prompt Susan. I was heartbroken what I wrote about. But I had to do it. Thank you so much.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bless you for following the call to action. We need your words.

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  5. A very challenging prompt. Difficult to even imagine the pain of it. I just went with the flow and wrote.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for your words. The victims and survivors need us to look.

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  6. This weeks prompt was difficult to write too. But sometimes we have to step up to the plate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. And hit those pitches into the stands!

      Delete
  7. Yes, the more people who become aware, the better chance we have of creating a more just world. I shared a video that broke my heart - at the same time as I applauded this girl's courage in speaking out about the unspeakable. She made the world hear.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As do you, Sherry, as do you. We spend a lot more time looking at animal abuse, I think because they seem more innocent than people. But it also is less painful--if pain can be said to have degrees. There is so much work to do, and both animals and humans will help us do it.

      Delete
  8. This is an important subject to write on. Thanks for the prompt, Susan.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Salem, I am THRILLED to see you posting here!!!!!!!!!

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    2. Are you the Grandson Sherry has spoken of? Welcome, welcome, triple welcome! Your voice is full of heart.

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  9. Trafficking exposes children to violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation. Victims of human trafficking live amidst us, in our day-to-day surroundings. A reflection on that....for you, Susan. Thanks for the prompt.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think I'll look for something to post here about what to look for and options for action. If you have something like that, share the link. Thank you for your voice.

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  10. I took a slightly different take, but hope it resonates. Thanks - mosk

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  11. thank you for this, Susan

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  12. I recently pulled a poem out of the ethereal as I like to call it and I was shocked that it turned out to be about this very subject. I don't know how to post this correctly I don't think but the poem is In The Claws of a Cold Cruel Night. Voo

    ReplyDelete
  13. Thanks for the prompt It was an emotional roller coaster but just for the day. Imagine for some it is a way of life forced upon them

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes. I've been thinking about this from both sides. Poets go down into the depths and then think we should stay there, but our poetry has many voices and most of them are deep even if they open eyes upon different worlds. If tomorrow's poem is happy, that is also a gift from the spirit.

      Delete
  14. In the USA, the Department of Homeland Security gives this advice: "Modern day slavery - Happens in the US" - dhs.gov‎
    Adwww.dhs.gov/‎


    What links do you have to share?

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  15. I really love this poem-share, Rosemary; love the rhyme, rhythm, and just over all flow. I am glad that you introduced us to yet another Australian poet. I will seek out more of her poems.

    ตารางคะแนนบุนเดสลีกา

    ReplyDelete

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