by Avril Shakira Villar

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Will you take a moment to look around you?

Countless of injustice stories to be told in this little town.

They wail, and it falls on deaf ears.

They plead and drown in hopeless words.

Every plea serves only to leave scars.

So, steadfast by their side and step in their shoes

Introduce yourself and become a true companion

Embrace the chocolate, porcelain, and caramel skin.

Withdraw the gap between the rich and the poor.

Release the bonds of patriarchy.

Let your voice resound

To bring the hope for the morning to come

When people walked to the fenced-off river behind houses,

You’re strong enough to thaw the frozen smiles.

Thaw the icy barriers between hearts

Through this, love and harmony will be engraved in their DNA.

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© Avril Shakira Villar

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Avril Shakira Villar is a Filipino writer mentored by WriteGirl LA, has left a notable mark in literature. Her piece ‘That Night’ featured in WriteGirl Issue 3 Lines & Breaks, ‘The Dark Beam’ earned semi-finalist status in Under the Madness Magazine (published in issue 5), and ‘Journey of Becoming’ found a home in The Malu Zine Issue 5. Avril clinched 2nd place in a national poetry competition by Under the Madness Magazine, with her winning piece published in issue 6.

Find out more on Instagram @avril__villar, Facebook or Youtube @Avril Shakira Villar.

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