Written by Mariam Alimi
If you’re a girl,
Whether you were born black, brown, or white,
You can’t breathe easy on any part of the planet.
You can’t see the sunlight carefree,
You can’t go out without fear,
You can’t walk away to a far distance to be safe.
You can’t go alone,
You can’t live on your own,
You can’t live your authentic life.
You always miss opportunities,
Dreams, and time.
You age,
Your days get shorter,
Life on earth goes untasted.
Sometimes,
The sun shines by herself,
And gets rid of the darkness.
If you’re a strong girl,
You can always find ways to throw arrows to the light,
Make pathways to pass the darkness,
And rise up from the ashes.