CNY Reads Writing Contest Winners

Poetry Winner

Second Place: Stephanie Kroll, Solvay High School

Path to Freedom   
by Stephanie Kroll 

What is sin in a world of hate?
When a hidden father decides your fate,
When love doesn’t matter,
Families are forced to scatter.
When a mother shall never see her children again,
Her death will be in vain leaving little ones to feel the pain.
When young girls are raped,
No one can escape.
Don’t scream little one,
It’s only just begun;
For you are too young,
They might cut out your tongue.

Teach them to read,
And you will bleed.
There is no place to hide,
Many have already tried;
They tell you lies,
They ignore your cries.
You’re the good daughter,
They’ll hand you to the slaughter;
Run!  he is right there,
It is your brother so beware.
Murder or self defense,
Don’t end the suspense.

There is no need to weep,
Just go to sleep;
Ignore the screams,
Let yourself dream.
The soldiers are here,
No need to fear;
One day you will be free,
And that is the key.
Smile a little longer,
You are stronger;
There is work to be done,
You have not yet won,
This freedom has just begun.

Last updated: April 12, 2010

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