WOMAN OF THE BLACK

Your black is not beautiful

But where are you? Oh, woman of the black fabric

Why do you hide?

Do you live a painful life?

You have no rights        

Forced to be a wife

With the tears of your eyes

Behind the black fabric you hide

You have no voice

You have no face

You have no choice

Don’t you wonder why?

Men don’t hide

But why must I?

Is it pride?

Religion?

Tradition?

The law?

What would they do? Stone you?

Oh, woman of the black fabric!

You must hide

Or you will die  

 (dedicated to my dear friend Shahanna Ali from Iraq. R.I.P)

Reviews

[Duane Klinger]

Very touching. Very powerful. Very well written! I agree with Rene, it is a prespective that needs to be shared. I had a Muslim friend who came here for a year and in that year I learned so much about their culture. She cried on my shoulder, afraid to return home. She recently moved back here, has adapted our culture and has become quite successful. Nicely done!
MKLINE

[BLACK PRINCE]

ALWAYS KEEPIN' IT REAL.

I LIKE THE WAY YOU BRING THE TRUTH TO THE MASSES

[Art Sun]

Unfortunately in certain parts of this world society is still living in the past...it is a trajedy that women are subjected to this way of life...sad

[Ghostshell]

How tragic that this is reality for so many. This was lovely and moving. This last bit especially: "You must hide or you will die".

[Little Birdie]

Stunning. Love this poem.

A very powerful poem makes me think about the slave periode back in history, facing your words on the end, it still same to happen in Iraq, so sad but true. I wished the world could be more equal, Excellent write!

[Dahlia Phoenix]

In some cultures, it is that way. They must live to the expectations of whatever they follow but at the same time, there is no freedom for some of them. For one thing, I love how you focused on this certain issue and gave it an imagery we can see as if we were there. Nice job.

[Shane Blackheart]

Every time I see a woman shrouded in material like that come in a store I feel bad. I know it's what they are used to, but I feel for them still. They shouldn't have to hide, they are just as beautiful as any other woman. A woman's beauty should not be hidden. Great poem!

[Eric Cox]

Great work on this dedication to your friend and expression of how those women must feel.

[unknown]

This is a very strong, meaningful poem and I feel alot for the culture of islam & muslims. I feel sometimes that the women are enslaved, but I respect the culture, traditions, however do not agree with some of their laws. Great poem!