CW: domestic violence, violence, murder, femicide
A bit of background: i am from Kazakhstan and for the past months an unprecedented court case has been taking place. our ex-minister of Economy, Kuandyk Bishimbaev (K-ooh-ahn-dyk Beesheemb-ah-yev /kuɑndɨk biʃɨmbɑev/), has murdered his wife (Saltanat Nukenova [S-ah-lt-ahn-aht N-ooh-k'yen-oh-v-ah /sɑltɑnɑt nukʲenovɑ/]) on the 9th of November, 2023 and tried to cover it up. he has since been sentenced to prison for 24 years and was found guilty on both especially cruel murder and torturing. these two poems are dedicated to honour Salatanat Nukenova and other women of my country who have found themselves in a similar situation. my heart goes to them.
1
Poor soul. On the white table Cloth in a restaurant your blood lay. To suffer was your role. Stable Your life went: Beaten, bruised. May
You now rest in peace. Red Blood on the hands of my country. Your blood. I hope it has fed Anger and rage in my people. Free
May our women be. Killed You've been; We will not forget. My country. Your death has filled Our hearts. We will not let
Anymore blood be spilt On the white table cloth. Your Name we will honour with thrill When the wings of the freedom soar.
2
He has been slain -- and with him That which he carried into the world: Bile, acid, and your blood have been washed Away. But the war has not been won yet, How many like him walk the streets? How many sleep with people like you in bedsheets? They have cried and screamed in suffering But we do not hear them, only your voice Has been able to escape the confides of your Grave in the arms of your husband. Perhaps Your dying sigh will roar on victory day as Your case, dear Saltanat, shall lead to a new Dawn.
P.S.: femicides are (very unfortunately) quite common in my country, but this case has been the first of its kind, since politicians can usually get away from any punishment. if you are curious, Reuters has written an article about it