Father, What Shall I Become? Whom Shall I Resemble?

By Mahmuda Elias

Dad, aren’t I just fifteen?

Not somebody who’ll hold your screams;

Not somebody who’ll fulfill your dreams.

Dad, I have dreams of my own

But every time I mention them, you look so forlorn

As if you birthed a moron.

Dad, weren’t you supposed to show me an ideal man?

But why did I have to teach you how to be a human?

But for that, I do owe you one

Because now I know never to be like my mum.

Dad, thank you for making me realize how important it is to be an independent woman

But why didn’t you tell me men in the wild would burn me out if I did become one?

But then again, you’re one of them so, you knew I’d burn 

And patiently waited till it was my turn.

Dad, you don’t terrify me anymore

Because I’ve taken these blows and punches before

Now I know how to heal my throat so sore 

And my mum isn’t a burden for you to bore.

Dad, now that I’m wiser, what I say might make you feel ashamed 

But I’ll let you know that it’s you who should be blamed 

Because now I believe all men are the same 

And that loving is a game which drives you insane.

By Mahmuda Elias