I am a Question

This is for me, a tribute to all girls.

Rebirth was my wish
My wish was rebirth
Millions of years later,my wish
My wish was granted.

I was born as a Christian,
Alas! Veil suffocated my hairs.
Suffocation led to death
And I said goodbye to Christianity
And never more a nun.

Rebirth was my wish
My wish was rebirth
Millions of years later,my wish
My wish was granted.

I was born as a Hindu,
Alas! ghoonghat suffocated my face.
Suffocation led to death
And I said goodbye to Hinduism
And never more a bride.

Rebirth was my wish
My wish was rebirth
Millions of years later,my wish
My wish was granted.

I was born as a Muslim,
Alas!purdah suffocated the entire me.
Suffocation led to death
And I said goodbye to Islam
And never more...

Rebirth was my wish
My wish was rebirth
Millions of years later, my wish
My wish was in the tomb.

My wish pleaded me,
Never wish,never dream.
You are a woman,
Before you I am a question
And not a wish.

Author's Note

Your opinion is my greatest achievement!

*ghoonghat -Ghoonghat (ghunghat, ghunghta, laaj, chunni, jhund or Odhni) is a veil or headscarf worn by some married Hindu, Jain and Sikh women to cover their head.

Reviews

[Sara H]

I like it - and very interesting! Something I could have agreed with 15 years ago, but not so much now. But I think you have expressed your frustrations about our society, etc. very well and poignantly. Beautiful.

In fact, it is a good "debating" starter for pupils in high school/university - to make them think and consider the history of women :)

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you, Sarah. Yes, things have changed so much with the years passing by. But not much. Let us think about women of Syria,Iraq and Pakistan. Even in India women are suppressed. So it is not only about covering up us physically but rather mentally also by the name of the rules,regulations and religion.

[Avinash]

This is a brilliant piece Sandra. This is something you can also develop as a story.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you,Avinash. Do you have any problem if I can make your Malala Didi's painting my profile picture?

[Avinash]

I will be glad for it. Please go ahead :)

[Solar]

Women are cloistered in so many ways and this poem peels off the veil. The repetition also reinforces that it is still the recurring question!

even when free of religion they chain themselves in conformity with fashion or in accordance with the some other ideology!

And the irony is that when in some countries the veil is banned, then women make it a political statement to cover up!

[Sandra Nair]

Yes, I too agree. Thank you!