I was born a little ‘Girl’ to parents who caressed me with love and affection,
But I was stripped naked when society termed me the ‘Weaker Sex.’
I was born again when I imbibed education in the truest sense,
But I was stripped naked when society exclaimed, ‘Why educate her? She is a girl!'
I was born again the day I first bled,
But I was stripped naked when myths and taboos made me 'untouchable.'
I was born again when my body developed contours,
But I was stripped naked when my body was devoured by predators.
I was born again the day I got married,
But I was stripped naked when dowry, domestic violence, and marital rape tore me apart.
I was born again when I became a mother,
But I was stripped naked when society knew 'it' was a girl.
I was born again when I was regarded as the creator,
But I was stripped naked when I was held guilty for my vagina.
I was born again when I was worshiped as a deity,
But I was stripped naked when I faced everyday molestation.
I was born again when I learned to stand up against oppression,
But I was stripped naked when I was asked to keep mum.
Today as my soul departs and I rest in peace,
You can't strip me naked, as I am beyond your reach.
You can pull me down, tear me apart, make me naked,
I will keep rising every time, because I am a WOMAN... a Woman of strength