The Uniformed
By LaQuisha Hall, http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/86727/laquisha_hall.html

Across the Atlantic

Floats our cries

By the freshwater of Lake Tanganyika

We used to seek an ally

As our tears dissolve in unknown footprints

We hide from those in uniform

Men who were sent to defend us

But the second deadliest war was born

They are supposed to guard the Congo

With us, they should befriend

Breeding pride, greed and lust in their hearts

To this war, we see no end

Where Carpe Diem is no longer

Seize the day

But seize the Congolese women and children

They don't defend us in this fray

They turned our innocent children into soldiers

But do not teach them peace

Making life for us precarious

Will the 45,000 deaths per month cease?

We keep our faith after many rapes

Though we cannot see through this putrid storm

We are the Congolese Women

Who will always be afraid of those, uninvited in uniform