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.

[Mahan]

This was fantastic. Loved the structure and the repetition; it made the poem much more powerful. And the last line..."Before you I am a question, and not a wish". Great stuff!

Keep up the good work :)

[Sandra Nair]

Thanks a lot. One review can do much more in me.

[Jennifer Shaw]

This is quite powerful. Women should be the deciders of their own destinies and should not be chastized or cast out for the things that make them happy.
Very nice poem indeed!

[Sandra Nair]

You are correct, Jennifer Savage. Thank you!

[Ardra]

Its beautiful dear , glad to read this one ... very nicely done..
its high time women gets the freedom to decide what they want to do in life, wear what they want
not the society to impose on them.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you....

We should be able to decide on our own. I have rights over me.But none else has those rights over me(my parents are excluded).

[Alfred Kukitz]

Wow! That's only the beginning.........your piece's depth and range overwhelmed me. I can't remember reading anything this huge.

A great write!

Regards,
Al

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you, Alfred. It means a lot.

[DIVYA]

Very thought provoking Sandra. Women have been oppressed everywhere irrespective of religion, race, color or creed. Your poetry concept is great and you have put forth your thoughts with plenty of innovativeness. Keep writing and shining.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you.. I too agree.

[theshygirl]

great write! i really love the line '' before you i am a question and not a wish''

well done!!!!!

[Austin R.]

Very interesting and really shows the perspective many woman seem to have regarding the practiced laws of clothing many of the world's most influential religions appear to have.

Pardon me if I state that I am Atheist. However, please understand I am denying no one but myself of a religious faith, and I have the utmost respect for yours (if you have one).

Back to the subject at hand, yes I wholeheartedly disagree with how some major world religions such as Christianity, Hinduism and Islam force attire on woman without their consent. Thankfully, here in the United States no one is legally allowed to force anyone to wear or do anything, no matter how religious the circumstances may be.

However, I also understand how many other countries in the world still do not allow this freedom and still remain ignorant to sex equality. It is a shame, and I hope these circumstances change within my lifetime.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you... I agree with you. And I hope you are lucky to live in US. But I do not worry. My dream is to make my beautiful India a better place.

[several thousand]

good, thought-provoking poem. the images matched the message. well done.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you...

[Elise Anton]

Interesting imagery. I think for me personally, the last two lines are where the poem raises itself out of the label of 'seeking equality' and tries to sek another answer... I was impressed with the way you presented woman in continual rebirth, fighting the ever-present suppression of her sex, through culture and/or religion.

Peronally, my views lean towards freedom of choice more so than this equality we are asked to strive for... Equality negates freedom of choice. In trying to raise the status of women to that presented by men, we are inferring that we are in fact inferior...

The question at the end for me, is the one needing attention. There is a definitive difference between equal rights and freedom of choice. The focus has shifted to the former, at the expense of the latter.

Great poem.

[Sandra Nair]

Thank you..Thank you..Thank you.... Your opinion on the topic can really make a difference, at least in me!