Silence does not have one meaning;
silence does not mean I cannot speak,
that I do not know how to speak,
that I cannot face problems in life.
No, I can speak. I know how
to write, to overcome problems
bravely, to speak when men
sadden me with comments, their minds closed,
minds that think I cannot speak…
No, No, No, No!
I speak very well, but you cannot hear me.
With my pen’s lips, I shout, with its mouth
I speak—each point, a pain,
each word, an injustice
each sentence, a scream for justice,
until I am not afraid, in this way
I continue bravely. And should I lose
my pen, or find no paper to write, I wonder,
sometimes, what will happen? What I will do?
I will scream until we get justice and equality,
for I hear a voice in my heart telling me:
You have to write, you should be writing
until you scream. You find a pen
ears are listening to you
eyes are looking, continue your way
with more power…
Yes I will write,
I will write bravely. Even if you sew my lips
you will not stop me. I found empathy
and I can scream with my pen’s lips
I will shout from the lips of my pen
until my last breath.
By Zahra W.
Photo by Cheney Orr.
Zahra — The strength in your poem makes my heart sing while making me cry at the same time. I applaud your determination to raise your voice through your pen no matter what. You, and women like you, who share thoughts, opinions and demands are going to change the world. I’m sure of it. Thank you for the power of your words. Love and best wishes, Nancy
Dear Zahra, Your poem shows such strength and determination. You share your words with the world; share your strength with your sisters! –Pat