Because I Am A Girl...

I wrote the following poem thinking of my own daughter, still so small and innocent. Her and her little brother are so close, always together and they love each other dearly. When I watch them happily playing together, oblivious to gender roles, sometimes I can't help thinking, will it be like this later when they are older? Will the surrounding culture have an effect greater than my own influence and upbringing? Will my daughter someday feel shy to run, jump and play with her brother? Will her 'boy' toys be taken away by her relatives? I will do everything in my power to make sure both my daughter and son grow up feeling they are treated, trusted and loved equally and that she can experience a real childhood exploring, experiencing and enjoying what the world has to offer!

I dedicate this poem to all little girls out there..

Because you are a girl. That is the reply,

when I ask over and over, why?

It's what 's best for you they claim,

life as a girl is easy, you're pampered and boys always get the blame.

But because I am a girl, I have it so much harder in this world.

They say they want to protect me, it's for my own good,

but they don't know or perhaps they misunderstood.

Because I am a girl, I cannot play outside the house with my brother,

I must stay inside locked up with my sister and mother.

My sister is happy because daddy says we are like princesses in a castle

But why do I feel like a bird in a cage, my wings unable to flutter?

I watch from my window as the boys play in the street,

why don't they have to worry about who they see or meet?

Because I am a girl I shouldn't run, jump, laugh and play,

that may cause someone to have the wrong impression of me, so they say.

I cannot ride a bike because someone might see, what will they think of my family and me!

But my brothers can go out and ride their bikes wild and free..

I wonder how it would be, if I were a boy?

If I were a boy I could surely climb a tree and nobody would care!

If I were a boy I could swim on the beach and nobody would stare!

But because I am a girl I can only watch in despair.

They say I'm so lucky because girls are like pearls.

Precious pearls in shells that only a few can see.

But I am a person, not a pearl. We are the same, my brother and me!

I don't want to live in a clam hidden away, sheltered from life,

my only goal to become someone's wife.

I want to swim out to the ocean and explore all its wonders!

Tears run down my cheeks at night when I lay in my bed and ponder,

I dream of climbing the highest of mountains with my brother.

I want to feel the wind in my hair as we race each other!

But I can't, only because I am a girl.

So I sit alone in my room daydreaming of another day, a day when I can be free of all these burdens. A day when I can open the door and live.

A poem I hope my daughter never has to write.

P.S. This poem and the images attached belong to ©Blue Abaya.