Murderer

Guilty! I killed an innocent, reveal the truth I must repent. In front of this jury, ready for judgment. Give me your ears as I tell you a story of a young girl whom I buried. Forgotten, unseen, no justice, unforgiven.

11 | Paper Cuts They were staring at her reflection. They laughed for they don’t like her complexion, Dark and uneven almond-like skin, So she covered them all with sweater and jeans.

With all those extra skin that she wished she could cut, They asked her to be someone whom she knew she’s not. Let her wear the mask of what they called “beauty”, She gave in to what society told her to be.

When it’s late at night and no one is watching, She tried to unmask, naked and bare-skinned. Blood started to flow from the wounds that are unseen. Every scar tells how far she had been.

Every day, she drinks poison in the glass of compliment To feed their eyes who were hungry for judgment. She cried, she wept As the poison started to creep.

She held a knife and aimed at her heart. I can also feel the pain as if it was tearing me apart. Her blood curdling as she sang her lamentation; “Coward! How long can you hide? There’s no place to run. You can’t fight with the tide.”

Now the guilt is killing me. So I revealed her story and the murder that brought me here in this jury. I pledge guilty in front of the sovereignty. Now it’s time for a judicial decision, I’m ready for my conviction. Give me your sentiment, is it lifetime imprisonment? Would there be a justice or another crime? Would you be fair? Fine, I’ll give you time. To think, reflect, if you’ll agree or object.

Tell me who’s innocent and tell me who’s guilty. Is it the society who pushed her in the ocean of agony? Or it’s just me who let her drown in the river of misery? Is it me? Should I say I’m guilty for murdering me?

WRITTEN BY LUNA GRAPHICS BY RHYNAPHINE JABONILLO

Paper Cuts | 12