I AM A GIRL

 
I am a girl, therefore I'm worthless.
I am a disappointment to my parents.
I am a thing to be sold for profit.
I am property to a stranger.
I am a body used for the pleasure of men.
I am a slave to my promised husband.

"Yes, Sir." "Yes, Mistress."

These are the only things I'm allowed to say.
If I say anything else I will be punished.
I shall face a punishment.
Several that no one should be allowed to face.

Beaten. Molested. Disposed of.
I fear all of it.

But sadly, it would be nothing new.
I shall be punished for simply taking a breath.
I wish to take my final one.
I "belong" in the kitchen, after all.
I have possession of the knife.
This decision shall finally be mine.
My fear melts away,
and my neck turns cold.
I shall take my freedom...
Yes, I have taken it. My freedom.

However, it was not by means of bloodshed.
It was not by means of "relief."
It was by means of struggle.
It was by by means of the impossible.

Fighting.

No longer shall I hide my face behind blue.
My hair shall be hidden because of God,
not man.
I shall marry at a chosen age to a chosen man.
I shall learn through books and science.
I have the ability to do this all.

I am a girl, therefore I'm powerful.