They say Crime is a Crime

I found her sitting on the side of the road.
I went pass and remembered my brother’s words *never leave a woman behind*
I went back to her, she was upset.
I asked and asked again what’s wrong?
She looked at me straight in the eyes with anger” something must have happened she remembered I did no wrong to her”.
She stood up with tears in her chick, I was confused.
I took her hand and drag her on to my chest, everything will be ok.
As soon as I said that I opened the voice inside her *she cried, as if someone just died*
It was like the beginning of hardship to her.
I took my time and listened to her, she was opening up.
I comforted her in all possible way I can.
In her eyes there was anger and hatred.
Scars and burnt in her mind.
I had a silence moment and saw myself as someone that can help.
I took her by the hand to my home.
I gave her warm water, towel and my cloth. 
I made her food because I could see she was hungry.
She looked at me and uttered these words *I wonder people like you still exist?*
I then stepped out because there were tears in my eyes.
When I came back she was sleeping on the chair.
I took her gentle and placed her in the bed. 
She slept and woke in the mid of the night and woke me.
Tearing I don’t have anywhere I can go.
I told her we will see in the morning.
She stayed with me for years.
I became her hope, joy and armour.
After years I had sirens from a distance.
Without warning or anything they were at my door.
I had done the biggest crime.
I had kidnapped someone`s child, made her my wife, without paying lobola.
They kicked the door.
Kicked me on the chest, pointed a gun on my head.
I was on the floor, in the dust.
With no air in my chest, it was cold.
They say crime is a crime.
I was guilt they were innocent.

Umhlaziyi Ozimele 
Sandile Mngadi