Original poem written by Mary Adams, AWC The Hague.
I have now laid my knife down.
I remember always in the Springtime
the aunties whispering special things are going to happen!
They held her arms
They held her legs
I crouched in ritual
My cuts brought blood and respect.
I remember always in the Fall season
the men counting their cows for marriage!
Purity is achieved
School is unnecessary
I knelt in virtue
My cuts brought value seeped in blood.
I remember always those who died in the Dream time
their last lingering look at my glistening blade.
The lesson is learned
The time has come
I bowed my head in shame
My cuts stained my hands with blood.
I have now laid my knife down.
(You can read more about reformed cutters here).