Their tortured bodies writhe under spiked whips,

Their brains clothed with fogginess as they swallow, take in

The things they never wanted,

But somehow, they’re addicted to it.

They part their thighs, show their shame for coins,

Every penny for an ounce of their dignity.

They hug and twirl on poles,

Sell poison with their tongues,

Imprisoned in life's darkness with only one alternative;

Never seeing the light again.

Sometimes, they do it for siblings, for relations, for people they love,

People who might forget them when they kiss the dust,

People who will only remember them as prostitutes, as drug addicts,

Even though it was never planned.

Did they choose to become what they are today?

Did life favor their ambitions and goals?

Did the face of fate ever smile on them?

Did the people who condemn them now, ever stand up to support?

I can't change the darkness in their lives,

But I know one thing I can do,

And I'll do it.

I'll pray for them when the masses condemn them,

I'll listen to their voices and tell them they're strong,

Even when leaving this world feels like the only light the universe can give them.

But what about you?

Will you pray for them?

Will you understand them?

Will you hope that light overcomes the darkness and reaches them?