When I walk on the street, you ask me, “How much do you cost?”
When I drive a car, you tell me to “go home and wash the clothes”
I was waiting for a taxi in the rain, yet you horrified me and deliberately sat in the taxi
And then pretended sleepiness to touch your body to mine
When you fight in the street, you swear at all mothers and sisters
When all the mothers and sisters ever did was support you
I can’t extend my foot at the park because of you
Should I be suppressed until you save your religion?
You did not get married, and you called marriage “stupid”
I did not get married, and you called me “overripe”
When you fall in love, you keep me within your selfish curb
When I fall in love, you say only if your mother should accept me
I should wash; I should cook
But only you get the education to become a doctor
When I ask you to take care of our child, you say, “The baby is for the mother”
When we divorce, you say, “The baby is for the father”
But not anymore
I don’t need you; I don’t need you to bring me food
I don’t need you to be my protector
I can be my protector; I can find food for myself
I will snatch my rights from you; I will not give you my child
I will not sell myself for you
I am happy with you, yes; but I can be happy without you, too
I have learned that for my happiness I don’t need any man’s love
I know my rights; you can call me overripe, if you wish
But you can’t be my life’s partner until you become an understanding human
And have the ability, humility and honor
You will have to understand that to be part of my life
If you behave like your father did
You will lose me immediately
It is possible to become your friend and partner
But I will not be your property
By Leeda
Art by Shamsia Hassani; photo by Omar Sobhani / Reuters
I think that you are right in everything you say. You can be your own protector, even if you don’t use your fists and teeth to protect yourself; and even if you don’t succeed, I believe you can win any battle with your heart, with the rightful status of being right in the end when you are judged after this life.
My heart goes out to Afghan women. Be bold, be strong, fight for your rights. We believe in you!
Love this poem! You have to take your rights. No one will hand your rights to you. It’s not so much taking your rights from someone else, but you need to have your own. Both men and women can have equal rights without anyone losing any rights.
Leeda,
This poem points out the contradictory attitudes toward women and men. You are a strong woman to fight for the right to marry someone who doesn’t demean you.
Richelle
What a great poem! We sometimes refer to the two sets of rules that men keep for themselves and for women as a “double standard.” Your poem looks into the heart of the double standard and shows injustice taking root. Please keep writing and publishing, Leeda. Our world needs your voice.
Its really heart touching, Impressive and Inspirational poem my dear Leeda. We are courageous and brave women!! Yes we are my dear…
Stay blessed,
Your Sister
Shad Begum
Dear Leeda
Thank you for sharing your writing for us. I have to tell you that you wrote the truth and it was wonderful. I proud of you.
Thanks
Mona
I love this!
Leeda,
I loved the fight back spirit, despite all the challenges you have faced. Please keep that up. The challenges you described are true in so many other cultures too. I wish it was easier to be a girl.
Regards,
kanu