Strange seed

Female circumcision, what an abomination! (but) your poem is beautifully written and causes a body to really think about the meaning of the words. A sad but beautiful write. Always, Cat

Great write Nina; and strangely in a Persian traditional form . Three of one rhyming end and one differing. Most importantly though a great poem of outrage. My deepest respect. K

Sorry your right oops! Not a form in Farsi.

Except for the fact that male circumcision is performed (hopefully) with clean instruments and painkillers for religious ritual and/or (in America, standard operating procedure, so to speak), it is, imo, the same abomination. Teach the male child genital care instead of removing the most sensitive part of their anatomy.. Powerful poem! I admire any poet who speaks to the REAL issues of life. Not the silly my-feelings-are-hurt even if THAT has a time and a place. ~A http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isU_OjY94NY is this the song? p.s. I may be blind, K, but which line is *differing*?

In complete agreement here with Anna, it is all mutilation... but somehow we have been desensitized for the male mutilations, and it is such a terrible practice on young females, what brute came up with such a dehumanizing plan anyway... terrible... sorry for ranting Nina... but poetry like this should be written more and left on doorsteps across the Nations... Richard

I have no need to say anything its all been said before me eloquently and beautifully , this is an outrage and it sickens me to think of the pain for both males and females , my boys arent and i think its up to them, not me to decide who cuts off what? when and why ... love and respect Jayne

Beautifully written about a very ugly subject Nina. Love Ann of Norway

Yes Nina what an important remembrance and reminder. I have read the articles, watched Oprah about it. But just like many other atrocities, it is still being practiced. A beautiful write to bring attention to a horrifically true and brutal reality ignored by to many. Thank you for your awareness. Julie D.D.

I hope I can learn to write as braveely and honestly as you meow yip, purr, yowl and perfect body language of approval, contempt or demand

Congratulations on spotlight ... this is a topic that shouldnt be brushed under the carpet ... great work ... love and higgest bugs Jayne x x

I wnnt to thank you Nina for bringing this issue to my attention. Ignorance has a terrible cost. I personally was only vaguely aware of it.to those who believe the God of Abraham the God of Isaac And the God of Joseph advocates this is mistaken .concerning circumcision; the apostle Paul condemned the practice of circumcission among the gentiles vehemently when he said through the lord God.Romans 2:25-27 Romans 2:25-27 (New International Version) 25Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised. 26If those who are not circumcised keep the law's requirements, will they not be regarded as though they were circumcised? 27The one who is not circumcised physically and yet obeys the law will condemn you who, even though you have the[a] written code and circumcision, are a lawbreaker. this is what the bible says. I did not want to detract from Ninas point but thought this needed clarification A brillent expose .Thanks Nina.

Hey lovely Nina, gone to deserts now, no skating therein. I really liked this bold thing here... & was thinking of Strange fruit as I read so am glad to read your comment. You know I had picked the most vital line to be bothered by without having read the proper comment (it's 3 30 am! foolish girl I am), didn't even look at the comments above... anyway, now I completely get it & am wowed so much more & proud of you for this informing work, well done am upping my vote & stars I absolutely love the last stanza, wonderfully formed, says it so well. Great to see you writing, have missed you. Hope you had a good holiday too Anni xx Cheers Anni~ "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body". ~Elizabeth Stone

It's great and I believe it make's me and all who read it better people. thank's again I'm enlightened:-)

I am so glad that this poem made the Spotlight, so that many more will see it and be informed of this atrocity. Always, Cat

Nina, you touched on a subject that is important to many women and children. You did a great job with the wording, never gruesome, yet understandable. Wishing and hoping this atrocity is ended soon! ____________________________________________________ Income-tax forms should be more realistic by allowing the taxpayer to list "Uncle Sam" as a dependent Anonymous

Nina, I had to revisit this poem. Some day I hope this world of ours will be enlightened to the fact that women are not chattel, have a mind of their own, and have a right to their own bodies, have a *God-given* right to say yes or no, and are not to be used as playthings or as the spoils of war. I live for that day. And I will do whatever I can to bring it into reality. Bless you. ~A

read so much four books at a time perusing three reading one long before meds calmned the waters and yet I remember issues of the world morning here loved the poem poignant and meaningful in its stark cause always enjoy reading your works

as i started reading, i immediately thought of 'strange fruit' (billie holiday is my all time favourite singer) this is a quite hauntingly beautiful poem, written with taste and intent, about such an obscene pratice. there are many voices out there, speaking out against it...books are written...true accounts related...yet still, in some countries it goes on. may the voices never be silent until not one young girl is ever threatened by it again. cheers p