From A Child To Her Virgin Mother by Ikera Olandesca (17, Philippines)

[Content warning: sexual abuse, rape]

​Blessed Virgin, Saint Mary
were You at Church when i 
spread my Palms to gather Tithes 
and lay Them by Your Side?
day by day i rushed from school  
to Offer what I could to You.

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Blessed Virgin, did You ever
Look Upon me from the Sky?
was i too small - too poor? - 
to be Worthy of Your Sight? 
day by day i Prayed To You
i hoped You would Regard me too.
 
Blessed Virgin, Holy Mary
did You Watch Over me? 
where were You when he grabbed me, 
dragged me sideways from the street?
was i not safe if i Loved You? 
this wasn’t taught at Sunday School…
 
Blessed Virgin, Guardian Mary 
did You Just Watch as he 
spread my palms and mouth and thighs 
and stole my Purity?
i lost my Voice when he was through 
i screamed and cried - it did not reach You.
 
i’m not a virgin, Mother Mary
i can’t go to Church for i 
have shamed my mother’s name and mine 
by straying from Your Side.
day by day i still Pray to You. 
one day i might be Worthy of You.  

​