pages of history tell women’s sad story
we are the sufferers, the pensioners
we are forced to be covered, we are stoned to death
we are sold, we are bought, we are owned
as private properties
we are forced to die, or attacked with acid while walking
if we refuse a marriage
when our chopped
voices rise for justice,
we are kidnapped or shot
aggression meets our demand for equality
annals of time! beware!
we are women but not powerless, as you think
we are women but not thoughtless, as you assume
our patience is our strength
don’t consider our humble condition our weakness
be afraid of our anger
we will wash away from the black
pages of this country all the pains of yesterday
singing, we will sign our names on the heart of history
By Shafiqa
“don’t consider our humble condition our weakness” – indeed! You show your beautiful strength through your words, your fire, your voice. There may be land and ocean between us but I can hear you sing so clearly!
I am humbled – by your courage, your strength, your voice. Thank you!
Shafiqa, This is such a powerful piece clearly coming from a place of strength and passion. Happy International Women’s Day – all the way from Australia 🙂
“signing, we will sign our names on the heart of history”
wow… On this Women’s Day I hold you up in thought…
Dear Shafiqa,
Your strong beautiful voice resounds in this poem. Your pen can indeed change history!
Right on!
Your poem is eloquent about pain and suppression, but I love the way you end with peace achieved, with a song…your voice is strong and assured.
Chopped voices, black pages — so spare and eloquent — the last line of your poem gives me chills, gives me hope.
Amazing. You have indeed risen above much and I hope you will continue to have such strength! Great writing!