THE CUT

She tried calling out to her mother

But she could listen to none of it

Hoping to get assistance from her sister

But she was ignored

Thoughts, dreams haunted, threatened her

She could not bring herself to the facts

In school she had learnt about it

Advised to report if any tragedy

Would occur back at home

Fear was in her she thought of her families

Reputation and not hers

She had to come up with a plan

It was the next day and there was no backing off

Her father was so happy and had a suitor

For her

She wept on the inside and faked a smile

On the outside

The preparations were set

Soon after the cut she would get married

Such she had not desired

Big dreams she had

And was afraid they were finally nullified

By her own father

They matched to the river

Where the cut was to be done

All her other colleagues were excited

For her she was trembling

When it was her turn

She thought for a moment

‘Spread your legs’

She denied, looked in her father’s eyes

They were filled with rage

She run away to sort for help

Never to go back to the people

Whom she loved betrayed her

Article by Joy Mwende
Mentoring and Empowerment camps Alumni.