Prayers blotted to black dots pressed behind her ear,
And caution kissed to each fairy tale cloaked in advice...
To dread every stranger, lest she suffer and disappear,
While I pray, "May God save my little girl from evil eyes."

Wear no skirt that sneaks up your knees,
Nor stroll past sundown in these cities.

(All the prayers in the world can't shield those precious daughters...)

But clothes never mattered
Neither did time or place
For the monsters unchained
By justice blind in its ways.

(...so how can my ceaseless hymns even hope to protect mine?)

Yet as I cross them out, each of my worries,
They're all futile until those evil eyes cease.

No curfews, control or cages could defend my dear,
Nor pleas to stay safe in this so-called secure paradise...
Till 'men will be men', my sweet child survives in fear,
While I beg, "May God save my little girl from evil eyes."

© Alter Ego