Grieving the death of a 5 year-old sex slave;
I Am But One, But I Am One

Crying for Shaniya
Grieving the death of a 5 year-old sex slave

Earth’s traffic jam is not pureed.
It’s seedy, dark and sour.
This gridlock’s human slavery
where helpless children cower.

In dim-lit rooms and brothel cells
(in Oakland or Mumbai),
their hopes and dreams run out of gas.
Their innocence runs dry.

It’s traffic in which they get caught
regardless of the time.
From morning-rush to late at night,
they’re victims of gross crime.

This human trafficking collides
with what is right and true.
But lives now wrecked can be restored.
It’s up to me and you.

I Am But One, But I Am One
Individuals can slow the speed of human trafficking

I hear my conscience calling me to rescue the oppressed.
I choose to answer willingly ’cause I’ve been richly blessed.
I am but one but I am one whose candle mocks the dark.
I am available to Him who owns my willing heart.

I cannot disregard abuse in brothel, field or slum.
I will not rest until I work that justice might be done.
I am but one but I am one who feels the children’s pain.
I am available to Him who calls each one by name.

I’ll be a voice for those enslaved by power, lust and greed.
I’ll advocate for those in chains until they have been freed.
I am but one but I am one who will not be denied.
I am available to Him who with the victim sides.

• the above poem can be sung to the hymn tune for “My Soul Has Found a Resting Place”
  ** Check out what the International Justice Mission is doing to halt human trafficking. Go to http://www.ijm.org