Warsan Shire
VICTORIA IN ILLIYIN
VICTORIA IN ILLIYIN
Onze Victoria groeit kieuwen in het paradijs, waadt met verheugd uitgestrekte
armen door rivieren van warme melk, zwemt met de verloren
baby’s van Eden de rugslag in de wateren van de hemel.
Onze Victoria, zachtjes uit het water gedragen op de schouders
van engelen, teder thuisgebracht in de omhoog gedraaide palm van God.
Zegeningen voor onze lieve Victoria, beloond met 72 toegewijde moeders
die haar kleine lichaam voorzichtig drogen met wol die zachter is dan huid.
Victoria Climbié (1991-2000) was een Ivoriaans kind dat, weg van haar ouders, bij verre
familie opgroeide. Ze werd door haar oudtante en de vriend van haar oudtante gemarteld en
ermoord in een flat in Londen. Ze stierf op achtjarige leeftijd met 128 verwondingen aan
haar lichaam.
VICTORIA IN ILLIYIN
Our Victoria growing gills in paradise, arms outstretched
in joy, wading in rivers of warm milk, swimming with the lost
babies of Eden, back strokes in the streams of heaven.
Our Victoria, gently carried out of the water on the shoulders
of angels, tenderly placed on the upturned palm of God.
Blessings to our sweet Victoria, rewarded with 72 devoted mothers
who delicately dry her small body with wool softer than skin.
Victoria Climbié (1991– 2000) was an Ivorian child raised away from her parents
by extended family. She was tortured and murdered by her great- aunt and great-
aunt’s boyfriend in a London flat. She died aged 8 with 128 injuries on her body.
From: Bless the Daughter Raised by a Voice in Her Head
Publisher: Penguin Random house,
VICTORIA IN ILLIYIN
Our Victoria growing gills in paradise, arms outstretched
in joy, wading in rivers of warm milk, swimming with the lost
babies of Eden, back strokes in the streams of heaven.
Our Victoria, gently carried out of the water on the shoulders
of angels, tenderly placed on the upturned palm of God.
Blessings to our sweet Victoria, rewarded with 72 devoted mothers
who delicately dry her small body with wool softer than skin.
Victoria Climbié (1991– 2000) was an Ivorian child raised away from her parents
by extended family. She was tortured and murdered by her great- aunt and great-
aunt’s boyfriend in a London flat. She died aged 8 with 128 injuries on her body.
VICTORIA IN ILLIYIN
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