Reclaim the Night
It's been 20 long years and still we fight,
for equality and justice, basic human rights.
Will we ever be able to walk alone?
Never truly safe, not even at home.
The predators they stalk, always hunting,
assuming our bodies are there for the taking.
A friend, a partner or maybe a stranger,
never truly knowing the hidden danger.
In one split second your life is changed,
the soul within will never be the same.
The moment he grabs you from behind,
feelings of terror, frozen in time.
The nightmares haunt you through the years
unspoken words, invisible tears.
The silent screaming invades your world,
your innocence stolen, a private hell.
It's time to fight back, don't let them win
this is your life, let the journey begin.
Release the anger buried deep inside,
seize the moment and say with pride,
"I was once a victim of sexual assault,
a crime inflicted upon me, it's not my fault!
I refuse to own the guilt, the shame,
an innocent victim, in a sadistic game.
A born survivor, yeah, that's me,
no longer lost, I am finally free."
Sisters come join us, gather around,
solidarity the strength that we have found.
We demand to have justice, human rights,
it's way past time, to take back the night!
Erica Haines