Why should women be silent?
How can I fly
when my wings are pinned by this unfaithful culture.
How can I shout
when my mouth is closed, lest strangers hear me.
In which ear should I shout to keep my yell?
How can I move
when I am in jail, the jail of womanhood.
I’d like to move but I cannot in this horrendous cabinet.
My limbs are tight.
I have slaved for an unfaithful society
that uses illogic to hide my rights from me.
I live where they know women as Sia Sar, black-head and poor.
No, I’m not poor.
I’m not weak.
It was said that we are all at liberty, we are all free to live
but we are captured and tricked.
I sing of braveness and love,
I’m a woman.
By Nilofar
This poem was written for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2014.
Dear Nilofar,
You show such wisdom, bravery, and power, in your beautiful poem. I love the ending “I sing of braveness and love, I’m a woman.” Please know that I, and so many other readers, hear you and admire you.
Pat
Dear Pat,
It’s your pleasure, thank you very much.
Best,
Nilofar
Very powerful, Nilofar. I am especially struck by these lines:
“How can I move
when I am in jail, the jail of womanhood.
I’d like to move but I cannot in this horrendous cabinet.
My limbs are tight.”
I can see what you’re saying so clearly, *feel* what you’re saying so intensely. You are very good at writing these short poems that have so much punch. Well done, Nilofar! I hope you and your sisters will be heard at home and all over the world. Stacy
Thank you dearest it’s your pleasure.
Loves,
Nilofar, You make me so proud to be a woman along side of you.
Thank you for your writing–it is a great gift to the world.
Kathy
Thank you dear Kathy, I hope it to all female around the world.
Nilofar
Nilofar, this is a wonderful poem, that deserves to be shared with women all over the world. You should feel proud of your contribution to International Women’s Day – it’s a step towards creating change. Well done!
Dear Monika Sarker,
Nice to hear you here,
It was said that we are all at liberty, we are all free to live
but we are captured and tricked.
I sing of braveness and love,
I’m a woman.
Best,
Your strong poem asks important questions using beautiful words and imagery. The chaffing at the restrictions put upon Afghan women is entirely clear. You have given a voice to women everywhere are treated “illogically” which makes your work inspirational — your mouth no longer closed, your shout is being heard. Beautiful work! Nancy
Dear Nancy Antle,
I hope so. I’d like to move but I cannot in this horrendous cabinet.
Thanks,
Nilofar, this is so powerful–thank you!
Thank you too, dear Joelle,
regards,
Nilofar
Dear Doct,
How bravely you have mentioned all the truths, really it’s a strong piece.
I like all especially this part :
I sing of braveness and love,
I’m a woman.
All the best,
freshta
Mercy Freshta sister,
It’s your pleasure.
Loves,
Nilofar
Dear Sister,
Thank You, for sharing your wonderful.
It has a strong massege for all women around the world.
Best wishes,
Thanks, dear.
Dear Nilofar,
Cool, storng and meanigful. It has really a wonderful message,
How can I move
when I am in jail, the jail of womanhood.
I’d like to move but I cannot in this horrendous cabinet.
My limbs are tight.
Weldone,
Mercy dear Bahra,
I hope to you too,
best,
nilofar
No, I’m not poor.
I’m not weak.
these lines are great
best wishes Nilo janem
Friba