Every woman I have met has a story,
A story that sickens me to my core.
The narrative unfolds,
Like an apple she was to the eyes of the venomous serpent,
The serpent that took its life before it was even ripe.
Though just a bite he took, his toxin wove in too deep.
As she seeks aid, a voice said the harm has been done and time always runs a little too late.
How many of these stories remain untold?
A world filled with serpents and serpents that unfold.
Laai
This poem, titled The Serpent’s Bite, powerfully evokes the trauma and resilience of women who have suffered exploitation and harm. The “serpent” metaphor conveys the lurking danger that preys on women, cutting short innocence and potential before it fully blooms. The imagery of the “toxin” sinking deeply into the victim’s life highlights the lingering impact of such betrayal, one that isn’t easily undone even when help is sought. The poem mourns the countless untold stories of women who endure this pain, urging readers to recognize a world where serpents—symbols of predatory figures and systemic harm—continue to hide. Through its somber tone, The Serpent’s Bite is a call to acknowledge and address the silent suffering woven through many women’s lives.
