Do not draw a framework for me —
Yes, I am a female.
I have all the rights you have.
Remind me why you imprison me in my home?
Why do you not allow me to travel alone?
I can do anything you do, and more.
Change your old ideas about me —
Do not look at my weaker arms and legs.
My powerful body can change your world in an instant.
So let me make my world myself.
I don’t need you to make me lucky.
I can make myself lucky without a man.
And yes, I am a female.
By Leeda
I like this – a woman can change the world in an instant… You are a thoughtful poet Leeda, thanks for writing
Thank you, Leeda, for sharing this! I also like to think that woman’s greatest strength is her ability to think clearly and deeply, and to contribute higher, stronger thoughts to society that can indeed change the world. Thank you again, Leeda.
Warmly, Jeannie
I’m a Muslim woman and I think this poem perfectly portrays what alot of Muslim woman feel like in society. Thankfully with this this more modern world, Muslim woman will no longer be oppressed by their fellow brothers in Islam. Its really infuriating and disheartening to see woman receive no education and become disregarded as a housewife, whether she wants to be one or not.
Hi, Leeda, and thank you for sharing your feelings and mine, through this poem. I raise my children gender neutral because of how gender roles enforced by our society have negatively affected me, throughout my life. I am definitely not a stereotypical female on all levels. I am very sensitive, but I love heavy lifting, working out, working in general and lots of other physically strenuous activities that “weaker arms and legs” could not do, if I had them. Even recently, a comment at work felt insulting to me, even though I’m sure it was not meant to. Someone casually said they would “get those big boxes” for me, as though I was incapable, despite the fact that I was already doing the work myself, with no complaint. Some places of employment also seem to be less likely to expect a female to be a hard worker, or willing to put forth extra effort, than the male workers. This poem is written in clear language, but still has a strong narrative voice. The statements are crisp and beautifully written. Thank you for sharing. My favorite part of this poem is, actually, the title. I love “I Am Female – In Other Words, Human” because it is like saying, I am no different from a man, other than my physical body parts: We are all human and we all deserve equal respect and opportunity, despite our gender. Thank you again and I would love to see more on this topic.