The Survivor
As you raped me, were you proud?
Did you find something to brag about?
Did the weakness in me make you feel like you were worthy?
Was it your way of making me feel your hatred and anger?
If so, mission accomplished!
As you hurt me with your words and actions I cried for help, I begged for mercy,
And that was exactly what you wanted.
You think you’ve won,
But you don’t get to walk away with a smile!
Instead you’ve given in to your anger,
Instead you robbed yourself of respect and the ability to look in the mirror.
Yes, you raped me
Yes, you harmed me
But I am not a rape victim nor are you a better person for hurting me I am a survivor I overcame your hatred
With the love that I give and the love
That I receive.
Tebogo Masetlana
Gr 8 Springs Girls’ High School
The collection is published by The South African Council for English Education, better known as Sacee.
* Eds note: This poem is published with the permission of both Tebogo’s parents.
