I'm A Woman

By Niranjana Shyamkumar

They said don’t cry,

After all,I’m a lowly being.

But I’m a human too,

Waiting to rise above.

They said don’t scream,

It makes you look weak.

But I’m a human too,

Just a lass in need.

They said don’t protest,

It’s not your place

But I’m a human too,

And I have a say.

They said don’t talk,

Conversations are not meant for me.

But I’m a human too,

With brilliant tunes.

They said don’t breathe,

No one needs me.

But I’m a human too,

With plenty of dreams.

Society says,

“Live below us”,

After all,

That’s what a woman should do.

I can no longer stand this,

I will cry,

I will scream,

I will protest,

I will talk,

I will breathe,

And I know that I’m the superior being,

The mother of all lives,

A woman.

By Niranjana Shyamkumar