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Quote from the WOHT:
#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
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 Trafficking, Apr 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.
1-888-373-7888 call
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."
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!
ReplyDeleteYes, 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.
DeleteNo, this is awesome. This is a fantastic topic. We have to talk about it, to give the girls voices.
DeleteThank you for another interesting prompt
ReplyDeleteSo, 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!
ReplyDeleteA very thought provoking and challenging prompt Susan. I was heartbroken what I wrote about. But I had to do it. Thank you so much.
ReplyDeleteBless you for following the call to action. We need your words.
DeleteA very challenging prompt. Difficult to even imagine the pain of it. I just went with the flow and wrote.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your words. The victims and survivors need us to look.
DeleteThis weeks prompt was difficult to write too. But sometimes we have to step up to the plate.
ReplyDeleteYes. And hit those pitches into the stands!
DeleteYes, 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.
ReplyDeleteAs 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.
DeleteThis is an important subject to write on. Thanks for the prompt, Susan.
ReplyDeleteSalem, I am THRILLED to see you posting here!!!!!!!!!
DeleteAre you the Grandson Sherry has spoken of? Welcome, welcome, triple welcome! Your voice is full of heart.
DeleteTrafficking 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
DeleteI decided to give it a try, after all...
ReplyDeleteWe are SO HAPPY that you did!
DeleteI took a slightly different take, but hope it resonates. Thanks - mosk
ReplyDeleteDefinitely! So good to see you.
Deletethank you for this, Susan
ReplyDeleteThank you for always being here, Martin.
DeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing up, Voo.
DeleteThanks 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
ReplyDeleteYes. 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.
DeleteIn the USA, the Department of Homeland Security gives this advice: "Modern day slavery - Happens in the US" - dhs.gov
ReplyDeleteAdwww.dhs.gov/
What links do you have to share?
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.
ReplyDeleteตารางคะแนนบุนเดสลีกา