We are here
We are here every day,
Not just today
Or this month.
In August,
the winds blow
in a different direction
in South Africa.
In August,
women are celebrated and honoured
women are serenaded with roses
the thorns come later.
Shot and killed
Stabbed
Bludgeoned
Beheaded
Raped
Assaulted
Abused
Battered
Kidnapped
Executed
Driven to suicide
They are no longer here.
Remember my sisters
Not just today
Or this month.
Remember their real stories.
Remember their fight.
Other women are fighting too,
Not just today
Or this month.
Every day
Is a battle
For survival.
Every day,
We need to weed out the thorns.
Not just today
Or this month.
We are already bleeding
But,
Every day
We need to prick the conscience
Of our nation.
Yup we are here, every day š