THE FOLLOWING POEM WAS SELECTED IN WINGWORD POETRY PRIZE 2023 LONGLIST.
They always said,
A girl is good
when she sticks
to rules and norms.
I think you had enough of dos,
go out, embrace the don’ts,
it’s time now to raise a storm.
You are free to choose your Gods,
faith is supposed to make you stronger.
But if they try to colour you red or green,
give it back hard to the hate monger.
Be respectful to your elders
and bow down to touch their feet,
but when that old uncle tries to grope you,
don’t spare him, make him bleed.
Ask your questions, push the boundaries,
the road to your freedom will always be steep
Wear hijab or a skirt, or dress like a cowgirl,
your choices are yours to keep.
Be kind to the needy,
gentle to the weak,
lend your shoulder to the feeble and old.
But don’t be a Cinderella or a Snow white,
It doesn’t quite work these days
Make yourself fierce and bold.
Break the limits they put in your mind.
Why just fly when you can soar,
Why believe in a myth called equality?
Why settle for less you are many times more.