Beginning and end. I've gone through both many times, each more powerful then the last, the beginnings brighter and endings darker; they never dulled nor faded – even if they are just memories now.
Memories that I'll tell you – why? I don't want to forget them or let the world forget them either, so let the story telling begin.
Chapter One
First Breath
Her first breath is the start of a wail, one wail that starts as a breath, the wail ends and a cry begins, fresh from your womb and pink you hold her as if she might break, it was a messy occasion but as you cradle her you to recognize it was worth every moment of it and as her cries disappear into sniffles you allow her to grasp your finger. Her tiny smooth hand wraps around your rough calloused finger, barely managing to fully wrap around the tip.
You name her Christina, she is precious and perfect to you, your new beginning, one that grew and learnt and loved.
You taught her to walk and talk, to question men and fight for women, to have her own idea and life, she is so precious to you but every beginning has an end.
Chapter Two
Last Breath
Her last breath is one that came too soon, one ripped from her as her hands curled into small fists that fought. She fought as I taught and a cruel part of myself is proud of her for fighting their greed, as you read this I cry as wounds once scabbed over are ripped freshly open anew.
But the world mustn't forget her, nor must I forget. By the greed and impatience of men my daughter died, was murdered – who? You ask could do something so cruel? Regular men of no class or standard, poor, starving, they perhaps even had families, I do not know but murdering an innocent child?
I would trade anything and everything for her to back… however I cannot bring her back and this truth drove me into darkness, one that drove me insane but that story comes later.
After Christina died my mind began slipping and I learned my actions did in fact have consequences and two men died, tow innocent men (for I do not count the men who killed my daughter as innocent). And so I chose to be suspended in time, bronzed, another end.