I was inspired to write this poem after hearing Barbara Amaya speak and then later attending a discussion of her book Nobody's Girl. Her story reflects the tragedy of a typical case of child sex trafficking. Sold from one trafficker to the next, she was trafficked at the young age of just 12 years old. Barbara's story was one that was hard to
hear and even harder to read. But her story didn’t end there. She is no longer a victim, but a victor! She is more than a survivor. She is an overcomer. Her story is ultimately one of hope, courage
and strength.Visit Barbara's website Here
Purchase Nobody's Girl Here
Barbara's Story
Me and my daddy
At home all alone
But he starts to
touch me
And he starts to
moan
I tried to tell mom
But she refused to
believe
So I made up my mind
That I had to leave
A lady befriends me
One day at the park
I decide to go with
her
Because it’s getting
dark
But her caring for
me
Was not what it
seems
And soon I am sold
To a man on the
streets
Wear this, eat that
Bring this amount
home
I don’t get to make
choices
All on my own
Reading a book
that gets ripped
from my hands
“How dare you take
time
away from your man?”
I just want to read,
I want to learn more
“Selling yourself
is all your good
for.”
Survive without him?
I’m not sure I could
Surely he’s right
When he says I’m no
good
No one will want me
And no one will care
It was torture at
home
So I can’t go back
there
I turn to drugs to
numb all the pain
How has my life
become such a mess?
I soon meet a nurse
Who sees I need
rest.
She offers me hope
And I find a way out
Of a life that a
child
Should know nothing
about
Now I’m stepping up
And using my voice
I want to tell
others
That there is a
choice
We must educate
And make better laws
So no other child
Falls prey to it’s
claws
The monster called
Trafficking
Must be brought
down.
We must raise
awareness
And smash the pimps
crown
So that’s what I’m
doing
I’m using my voice
I’m compelled to
others
That there is a
choice.
