A Voice for the Voiceless
By: Jamie Leigh Jones
Poetry. Noun: “Literary work in which special intensity is given to the expression of feelings and ideas by the use of distinctive style and rhythm; poems collectively or as a genre of literature.” As survivors, we may use poetry to cope with trauma, or to express our feelings about the perception of sexual assault; often, we must reinforce that sexual assault is a significant issue, and that survivors can refuse to be silenced. Our first poetry submission comes from Jamie Leigh Jones, and was originally posted on her page, Inside the Corners of My Mind Poetry, on Facebook.
Sexual assault is a serious matter
What other people think doesn't matter
If you're a victim as am I stand proud
Raise your fist and shout it loud
Anyone who says you lied
Stand your ground and look them in the eyes
You don't know if you haven't lived it
Never ever should this crime be forgiven
Being violated is never ok
People who yell set up should really be ashamed
Imagine your daughter being the victim
Then everyone yells all she wants is attention
Shame on you all who say these things
Sexual assault isn't a game
This submission, a beautiful declaration of strength and solidarity, wonderfully displays the true resilience of survivors--even in the face of trauma and hardship:
"Anyone who says you lied
Stand your ground and look them in the eyes"
Survivors are strong. Survivors cannot be silenced. Survivors have the power to make their voices heard.
Check out more of Jamie Leigh Jones's poetry on her Facebook page: Inside the Corners of My Mind Poetry
