Please note: this poem includes sensitive topics that some people might find difficult including 'Honour'-based abuse, FGM, sexual abuse and assault. Please visit our Resources Page or Savera UK for help.
The liberties I presumed I obtained, taken
‘Honour’ that lingered under my nose, labelled
‘Honour’ that was a cloud of expectation, burdened
Freedoms suddenly stripped
Humanity, compassion, life diminished
Hoping to escape
That dream was set alight
Constant fear
Constant threat
Is someone following me
Or is that just my shadow
The unknown path decided for me
A path where I am expected to be someone
Someone to serve
Someone to respect
When all I want is to choose
Choose a life, not be forced into one
Every day is closer to my traits, my personality, disappearing into existence
A crime of social injustice
A crime of sadness
A crime of sorrow
Hidden within walls,
Around the corner of streets
Up on the rooftops
You can all hear me but don't listen
‘Honour’
A term of terror
A term of dread
A term for anxiety
Child marriage
Virginity testing
Breast ironing
Sex selective abortion
Coercive control
Sexual abuse
FGM
Forced marraige
Conversion therapy
Emotional abuse
Pyschological pain
Threats of violence
murder
To name a few categories under ‘honour’
Stop ignoring the injustices
Stop standing in high chairs and pretending to hear silence
That silence is damaging
That silence is life-threatening
The silence is irreversible
Stand up
Be loud
Support
Shelter
Bring those to safety
Give your hand
As your hand is a pathway
A symbol of solidarity
For if we stand together, scrutinise and make those accountable
We acquire the strength and noise of millions
Don’t choose to ignore, choose to speak out
End ‘honour’-based abuse
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