Part Four… Photo CCTO

If you’ve opened that scrunched paper by now
I maybe dead or about to die soon
In it is a message to call the cops
To look for me in this address, this hell  
It’s too late now and I’ve done what I can
I know you are still around, Dear Father
Tell mama she was right and I love her

I left rustic life to seek my future
For greener soil up the metropolis
An aide job beckoned outside the country
Thank you, the hardship in school will pay off
My kinfolk warned me that this was a trap
I’ll take the chance rather than eat for scrap

I took care of an old, foul-smelling man 
I’m at his beck and call, day, noon, and night
They took my phone, passport and dignity
They also fed me scraps after their meals
I’ve no contact to the outside at all
They burned my fingers when I tried to call

I threw that scrunched paper out the window
In it was a hopeful note to find me
When the front door was opened, I bolted
The police came that time and stopped me
He took me back to that vile family

The struggle was moot. Fate was so cruel
Resigned to what is to be a life of hell
I am now shackled, prodded, beaten, watched
Then one day, the old man died suddenly
And the agency people came. I’m Free!

Someone found the note and reported me
Another Pinay aide who worked close by
I fainted that fateful moment, dear God
Recovered at church. Just happy, not sad

Mama showed up, still crying, to fetch me
Mina dropped by to hand my belongings
My documents, clothes and stuff were intact
There is cash, Eight thousand to be exact

Coming back, I lowered my face in shame
And try to move on, to face a future
I will live! Ready for new adventure

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