LAPIEH LANDU
An entry in the Crocodile Prize
Kina Securities Award for Poetry
Do you have a mother? Do you have a daughter?
A sister or a friend maybe? For you not to stifle?
How do your eyes meet?
Do her tears serve your remorse? Or her fear give you heed
For your unkind scheme
Do you have a mother? Do you have a daughter?
A sister or a friend maybe? For you not to stifle
How do your hands feel?
As you feel her tremble in angst
Does her voice sound no aversion?
For your vandalism
Do you have a mother? Do you have a daughter?
A sister or a friend maybe? For you not to stifle
How do you do it?
As you watch her endure
Her pain, her torment
For your uncivil indulgence
You have a mother
Who was a daughter
Who had a sister and a friend
How could you not stifle?
How would you feel?
As her dignity is violated
Her voice silenced
Her body encroached