Despair and suffering has been the fate of women for centuries. I am dismayed that it still is in many parts of the globe. The long, endless battle against conservative forces that take pleasure in subjugation continues! The following poem is inspired from this thought.
We don’t want to mother a son
In this land of Taliban
We don’t want a daughter either
It’s better to end this race
If they can’t keep pace with the world.
Let the seeds dry even if they are forced into us
Let’s pledge not to nurture them
Let our wombs wither – our only weapon
To gain control over servitude of centuries
Our hope is still alive.
Is there any need to look elsewhere?
Is it fair to wait for outside help?
When our own spirit is enough.
Muted faces convey profound message:
Silent storms sway the earth.
Our shrieks search a new world
Equitable and enlightened.
Our dreams are no longer monochromatic
Warped by societal norms
Red ink is all over them, seeking justice.
© Balroop Singh, September 2021.
It’s poet’s choice at Colleen’s weekly poetry challenge this week. You too can join with the image and form of your own choice. Thanks.
Emotional Shadows 
This poem seems to come from a strong place within and is powerful Balroop.
Women won’t let it go but what a tough battle some are fighting every day on this earth.
Sending you Love
So true Marie, the battle may be tough but it won’t be abandoned. Thanks for the endorsement dear friend. 💕
Balroop, that’s such a powerful poem. I can tell you really put your heart into it.
It’s a piece that requires reading not on just once, but multiple times to trulyabsorb the words and the emotion.
It’s a tragedy what is happening to women in many different parts of the world. I keep praying and hoping for change.
My heart breaks each time I look at these pictures of helpless women protesting where as they must be having homes that need love. Who would believe in love in the midst of such dire need of freedom of thought? Freedom of choice is a far cry for them who are at the brink of losing the right to education!!
It’s heart-breaking how quickly decades have been reversed 😦
No outside support can ever bring the change Mae. Self-help is the best option, that is my belief.
Your poem gave me chills, Balroop. Thank you for sharing your powerful words of truth. xo
I get chills each time I look at the pictures of protesting women who have no rights Jill. This poem is a futile attempt to give vent to those feelings.
Balroop, how I understand the depth of your feelings in this poem that calls out in pain. I feel the tears and share them, how can such pain be inflicted.
You so strongly write
“ Our shrieks search a new world
Equitable and enlightened. “
Yes, yes, we do. All your sisters agree. Wherever we are. ♥️.
Miriam
Thank you Miriam, I am glad my emotions are reaching you. Let’s hope a better future for the little girls who are being deprived of their basic rights.
Your poem was so pertinent and to the happenings that are going on today in Afghanistan. Feeling so sad that in these present times we are all going through this madness. Thanks for the poem, Balroop.
Thanks for sharing your concern Kamal, my heart goes out to helpless girls and women who can’t escape the situation.
Yes same here Balroop. Most welcome dear 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
Oh my goodness, Balroop! This poem is so filled with emotion and truth! thank you for sharing!
Thank you Jan for coming over to read and share your thoughts.
Painful and true, Balroop. My heart goes out to the women of Afghanistan ❤
It is heartbreaking to hear that even basic rights are denied to women even in 21st century in many parts of the world!
This poem really does justice to the horror of this situation, Balroop. You have penned meaningful and great words.
Thanks Robbie.
Fantastic and very true words. My heart aches for women everywhere who are in bondage.
Thanks for coming over to share your thoughts Adele, much appreciated.
So powerful, Balroop. Your poem is raw and stark and angry and beautifully written. It amazes me that subjugation of women still is a thing. And it’s not only the Taliban as the Christian Right in the US is assailing women’s rights. Men can self-determine, but women’s lives will be under the control of the government. And these are often the people (men) who yell and scream about freedom.
You got it right Diana, I wrote these lines in great anger, my blood was boiling after watching what is going around and this poem gushed forth in minutes. And yes, the so called land of the free reserves the freedom for men who choose to pass atrocious laws to control the bodies of women. Disgusting!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts dear friend.
Women obviously are unqualified to make these decisions for themselves. Silly us. It makes me furious! Thanks for sharing my outrage.
The power lies with us Diana, only if we have the urge to wrest it from those who must learn their lessons. Thanks for sharing this sentiment.
Poignant and powerful, Balroop!
Thanks Bette 🤗
Balroop, this is such a powerful message. I can’t believe that as women, we are still under the thumbs of male politicians that only care about reelection and nothing else. This is happening all around the world! Thank you for using your voice to champion women! ❤
This poem wrote itself Colleen, as I was watching how women are still at the mercy of men and outrageous laws!! Thanks for the encouraging response.❤️
Your passion is what all women need right now, Balroop. ❤
🤙🥰
Balroop, this is so powerful. I have goosebumps. Sharing your poem everywhere. Well done!
Thank you Lisa. Love and hugs.
What a powerful poem and post, my friend. It is devastating that these issues still exist in this day and age. Thank you for creating awareness and for sharing your righteous anger. 💗
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Vashti, I wish we could do more than highlighting such a serious issue. It is appalling that girls are denied their basic rights even in this age!
A powerful storm of words Balroop. Horrendous what’s going on! Love this. ❤
Thanks Deb, I wish the words could shake the conscience of insensitive people!
So do I! 🙂
Amen. Send this out to millions who need to hear it.
How much I wish my words to fly around them like vultures, robbing them of their peace!
What a powerful poem, Balroop, and I felt your emotions. Thank you for penning the truth. What women have endured and continue to endure is beyond appalling. ❤️
This poem wrote itself within minutes Lauren, such is the impact of emotions. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Amazing Balroop and such a powerful reminder that this world still has far too many injustices.. Women have little recourse in the face of guns and violence… I wish we could do more to support them but as you say.. outside influences particularly have failed miserably to make a sustainable and lasting difference for them.. ♥
Thank you for standing by to read and share your thoughts on the unfortunate circumstances Sally. Sadly the eternal fight for basic rights continues!
It does Balroop.. ♥
I feel angry and yet feel so helpless to watch the news about Afghanistan,. The women had a taste of freedom which was short-lived and robbed away. I shared your sentiment, Balroop! Thank you for sharing your voice. ❤
Thanks for sharing the sentiments Miriam. Love and hugs.
Beautifully impassioned and poignant.
Thanks Jude!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful, powerful poem, Balroop. Women are oppressed throughout the world, even in our so-called enlightened country, but I fear for the Afghan women.
The use of exclusive language doesn’t help, either. Why do people (even women) say ‘man-made’ rather than ‘artificial ‘ or ‘synthetic’? Why do they use the generic ‘man’? That would be marginally better if they used a capital ‘Man’, but not much. There are many words that can be used instead. Humanity, Humans, People, to name just three.
Until we can accept that there are women in the world, and use inclusive language, I don’t think the mindset will change.
I want to share this, but can’t on my ancient iPad. I’m away this weekend, from tomorrow morning, so it’s likely to be Monday, when I can get back to my pc.
Thank you V.M, I am feeling honored. 🙏
Thank you V.M. for understanding the emotions expressed in this poem and many thanks for coming over to share your thoughts. I agree with you that the whole approach toward using the right language has to be accepted.
I feel frustration that women are still treated this way. Your poem powerfully screamed at the injustice of this.
Thank you Denise 🤗
I was moved by your powerful poem.
Thank you so much Liz, I am delighted to hear that.
You’re most welcome, Balroop.
Thank you for this powerful poem, Balroop! May it be heard, and forcing action. xx Michael
Thank you Michael, hope remains alive.
Hello again! I’ve had to start all over with a new site yet again ~ having trouble bringing up your site to reconnect ~ hope all is well with you, Ana