Red is the New Black

When I was a child, I wanted to be a dancer.

Twenty hours a week, ice packs and recitals.

Dreaming of a stage with a full house and applause

But what I was missing, was working towards a cause.

Forward.

Twenty hours to Nairobi,

I stepped foot of a plane not knowing what would be

“Eg chekka,” made them smile

Mzungu was my name

Our language was different

But our love for dance was the same

A universal language that taught me in silence the important of education

A double major, tired mindset, but one trip changed it

These kids dreaming of a stage with a full house and applause

But what they were missing, was no judgment and unconditional love

Forward.

Twenty hours to Amsterdam,

Stepped foot off the plane to see dancers and greedy men.

The need for money made them smile

A debt was their name

Our needs were different

But our love for dance was the same

A universal language that taught me in silence the important of awareness

A focus in counseling, but one trip changed it.

Dreaming of a stage with a full house and applause

But what they were missing, was respect and an a change of the flaws that these men’s desires cause.

Forward.

Twenty hours back to the states

Step off the plane to notice sex trafficking happens in our own place.

Denial made them smile

Young prostitutes were their name

Our language was not different

Now there has to be a change.

Now that I am older, I still want to be a dancer.

Twenty hours a week, I will leap over obstacles and pirouette passed denial.

We must become aware and I will speak up until we do

Dreaming of a stage with a full house and applause

But what I am missing is your voice for this cause.