Trembling she holds her tummy

Knowing this fourth baby coming

Will be her making or breaking

She moans, her world hanging

Groaning she strains

Not just from labour pains

With one more push, I came panting

With just a look, she screamed fainting

A reprieve from the moment of truth

Husband in-laws with new wife struts

Buckle up; it’s going to be a rough ride

Because I am a girl

 

In the kitchen I am taught to cook

While the boys read from the books

They eat the juiciest meat to grow strong

I eat what is spared though I feel it’s wrong

The floors I am to sweep and scrub

Even though I never get to roll and ball

For water I walk long distance to the wells

Galloping boys to school with pride swell

Head bowed I balance my buckets

Heads up they balance their books

I cannot join them in the grid

Because I am a girl

 

Only 14 they say I am ripe

Is my life all about strife?

I see the world through a veil

Body in robes not to be vain

With every inch covered

My value is coveted

I feel subjugated

My clitoris mutilated

They say I am born only to satisfy

Pleasures and desire of my buyer

A child bride in the crib

Because I am a Girl

 

I stare into the dark clouds

A tiny silver lining urges

I am human

Not just woman

I can nurture the earth

Heal and give it a caring heart

Break free the chains of patriarchy

Oppression nurtures hierarchy

No matter the sex

We all can excel

I can see me fly high

Because I am a girl!

BY © YEMISI ILESANMI