I am a woman, born to be protected I am told.
I need to act less and witness more; my stories remain untold.
I cannot lead but follow the traditions,
It’s for myself, I need to believe in predictions.
I have no choice, but to obey their commands,
Since parents, brothers, lovers, husbands, sons- none ever demands.
They think about my safety, about my own good;
How can I ignore them and be rude?
I need to have a future, a home to survive.
If I wish to achieve these myself, it’s a mocked-surprise!
If I want to be stronger, then I need to be reborn.
In this birth, however I remain a woman.
Sometimes while growing up I had visions of myself;
For challenges, success and identity I too craved.
I would make my parents proud, I had faith.
Little did I know that my days were decided!
I am safe, I am loved, I am given what I need.
Yet my heart cries and struggles to be freed.
I wonder why I feel betrayed;
In midst of such loving life, why I feel confined?
In search of my answers, I looked at a mother.
Silently she stared at me and hid behind a father.
Being confused, I nudged a sister;
She vanished amidst the laughter of a brother.
This cannot be true. I am not a feminist.
I was raised lovingly. In unequal stories I believe the least.
But with each ten years of my life;
For more love and freedom I strive!
I am a girl, a sister, a wife and a mother.
They say I have the duty of a creator.
But after playing all these roles,
I witnessed, I have missed some goals.
I lost my dreams and myself somewhere,
Exploring the world, I could never dare.
Learning from experiences, is yet undone;
They say it’s fair, since I am a woman.
And I wonder if I should believe in them;
I am a woman and this is my life’s game.
This poem and painting are the poet’s contribution as part of the 6th Woman Scream International Art and Poetry Festival 2016, the Kolkata chapter of which is being held on March 26.
Read more poems as part of the Art and Verses: Rhythm Divine Collaborates with Woman Scream 2016
Rhythm Divine Poets in association with Art Fair celebrates the strength of woman on the occasion of woman’s month in March by promoting art and poetry festival in the city of Kolkata. To raise voice against violence on woman is the mutual goal. These associations will lead to Rhythm Divine coordinating Kolkata chapter of the global event called Woman Scream International Poetry and Art Festival on 26th March by Women Poets International
Movement (Mujeres Poetas Internacional MPI) from the Dominican Republic, and coordinated by Jael Uribe, MPI’s President.
The Kolkata chapter is co-sponsored by Incredible Women of India, Manya Education Pvt Limited and The Princeton Review hosted by the Berlia family in Kolkata.
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