The Woman Next Door

There are obvious connections between violence against women and

the violence we face as gay people. If we can build bridges

between our communities, we can work together to create a safer

world for all of us.)

Have you met the woman next door?

I see her sometimes at the grocery store

She never says much, she's rather withdrawn

But she always will tell you

Yes she always will say that nothing is wrong

Have you talked to the woman next door?

She has a young boy who just turned four

And a husband who works in an office downtown

She acts kind of nervous

Yes she seems afraid when he's around

Have you seen the woman next door?

She looks as if she's been through a war

A bruise on her arm and a scar on her face

I asked her a question

Yes I asked how it happened but she wouldn't say

Last night I heard the woman next door

Desperate cries that I couldn't ignore

She was pleading with him to leave her alone

I was trembling with fear as I picked up the phone

And I hoped and I prayed that she would survive

As I waited on edge for help to arrive

And I thought of her son and I wished that her screams

Wouldn't find their way into his innocent dreams

Have you met the woman next door?

She needs compassion and support

She's finally safe now, along with her son

But the process of healing

Yes the long night of healing has just begun