When I was born no one was happy
No one smiled
No one said, “Welcome my baby,
Welcome my sister.”
Why? What is my sin?
I am a human, a girl.
A woman is brutally beaten
on the street without reason
A girl is slandered
Stoned by the people
A woman is forced to have illicit relations
outside of her marriage.
She cannot defend herself
A man burns his wife’s body
No one defends her
Why? What is her sin?
I can’t be silent.
I can’t accept that.
I want to say, “Welcome my baby
Welcome my sister.”
By Manizha
Photo: Eric Kanalstein / UNAMA
Welcome, Manizha. You are important. You matter. I’m glad our paths crossed today through your touching poem. I wish you every happiness on the path ahead.
Manizha — This is a sad and beautiful poem that speaks to the horrors to which women are subjected. The defiance in your last stanza made me hopeful that more like you will welcome women — treating them with equal importance to men. You have a strong, intelligent voice and I hope you will continue to raise it through your writing for your “sisters.” All best wishes, Nancy
Dear Nancy,
Thank you so mach for your comment