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.

[Érenn]

For me the poem was a reality check that such things still exist. A well written piece indeed, that exposes the gender inequality that is so prevalent in the country

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you, dear friend. It is for you, it is how it makes you feel.

[Scrap]

This was a difficult one for me to give an opinion on. So i wont get into the msg....

The poem was well written. I like the repetition.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you...

[Nicole France]

Very informative as well as emotive. I can feel the intense feeling of being trapped and suffocated.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you for reading, Nicole. Yes, suffocation can oppress us.

[Nicole France]

You are most welcome

[B J Hughes]

I find it very an interesting metaphor that it is the exterior physical raiment, the dictated restrictions, that caused a physical death with each spiritual experience. But you keep trying, keep moving only to meet with the same restrictions meted to women only to end up as a question. And I believe that question is "Why am I not allowed to just be ME??". Love the flow and progression, love your command of words and I love what this poem says. 100/100

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you. Your review means a lot because I am just on the track of improving. And then, the question. It is the sole right of the reader to interpret.

Thanking,
Sandra.

[B J Hughes]

I like that you leave it to the reader to interpret rather than drawing conclusions for them. It makes for a more interesting poem and allows room for good discussion. Very good!!

[Sandra Nair]

Thanks a lot could be nothing for your valuable opinion.

[Im His Daughter]

I am thankful I don't have a religion. I have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I am thankful I don't have to have to wear a veil, I am covered by the veil of God. I wish other women knew they can have it too.

[Sandra Nair]

Yes,it is really better not to have a religion that to fight over it. Religion was made for us and now we live only for religion.

Thank you

[andrew mitchell]

all religions that control have a suffocating experience. nice work sandra. i think the covering of the woman has no other purpose than that of adding security to man's insecurities

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you... What you said is really right.

[Jyoti_Ablaze]

Its a shame that such things still exist where we are expected to cover ourselves like some diseased person covers his mouth while coughing!
Equality is a fundamental right!
I don't know how long, if ever, will it take to the world to be fair!
Great write!

[Sandra Nair]

Jyoti, thank you for sharing your priceless opinion. I would definitely share your opinion on our group ,'Love our Daughters'.

[Jyoti_Ablaze]

Thank you Sandra!
It was an interesting read.

[Sandra Nair]

It's my pleasure..

[B J Hughes]

I agree completely with Jyoti's comments! Equality indeed is the issue and only education will ensure it's flourishing.

[Sandra Nair]

Correct. As Malala Yousafzai said, 'Education is the only solution, Education first.'

[nisha]

Wish for equality! Wish for education!

[mou]

I FEEL GLAD TO BE A WOMAN..AND I THINK WE ALL WOMAN TOO FEEL THE SAME ,SPECIALLY AFTER READING THIS.GOOD INSPIRATION IS HERE IN THIS WRITING FOR EVERY WOMAN.PLEASE WRITE MORE ON THIS.it is a pleasure........

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you for this review. I felt as if you wrote it from your heart.

I am proud and happy to be a woman.

[rukaiya JM]

Must say ....incredible..!

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you, Rukaiya.

[gunjan]

I liked your poem and your full of energy thoughts too,,,
wish you good luck and keep exploring your self...

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you, gunjan.