Where is my safe home?
I am not safe anywhere.
My father abuses me,
My brother scorns me,
My husband disrespects me,
For the crime of being female!
My penalty is to be hated,
Hated simply for being female,
Hated for being a daughter,
Hated for being a sister,
Hated for being a wife.
No home is safe for me.
Always I am in danger.
I want a safe home,
But that home will come
Only after my death.
That home will be my grave.
I will live without fear,
I will sleep soundly,
I will go into darkness,
Safe at last.
By Nasrin
Photo by David Fielke
This is perhaps the best thing I have seen simply and so powerfully stating the condition of women in this and other Arab lands. This treatment of women is a perversion of Islam, it is not supported by the teachings of Mohammed, peace be upon him, or in the Koran. the holey word he received from God. Women in almost all cultures have been treated badly, treated like property, not as helpmates. I wish all women safety on their journey to respect and equality.
This is a stunning poem that gives voice to all women who do not have a safe home — who are not cherished for the goodness they bring to the world. May their voices be heard so all will know that changes at every level must be made. Please keep writing your powerful words, Nasrin.
This is a powerful poem. I hope all women can one day find a safe home–a place to celebrate and feel secure in their person.