Islam

Dear man,

Was I only made to serve you?
Destined for a housewife position and I cannot argue
Head wrapped tightly and I, beyond view

Why are my opinions offensive?
Shackled down, hushed and subdued
I would break all these chains,  if only I could

Am I supposed to believe all that you say?
All the lies that you maintain
Conditioning my very being with this game you play

It is time to change the game
Time to light the candle and watch the flickering flame
Time to shine the light on things that cannot remain the same

I will not be quieted down, timid and shy
Your rules will no longer apply
I will walk with my head held high

For I am a woman, hear my voice

This is my second attempt at writing a poem. I wrote this poem in response to Persepolis, where one of the themes was how the Islamic regime in Iran treated women. The reason I chose to write this poem is because I was inspired by Marji’s outspoken attitude. She is always voicing her opinion which is uncommon to many women living under the oppressive regime she was living under. Being a part of a similar regime that oppresses women, I decided to write this poem a word revolution that defies societal norms and calls for a change in the way the world, particularly some parts of the muslim world where Islam was manipulated to serve certain political moves, views women. The poem is written as a letter to “man” i.e. men in general asking important questions about gender inequality and telling the men that oppress women that their oppression is coming to an end. We will no longer quietly hold that subordinate role.