Barbara's Story - A Poem

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.