Voice of a Girl Child

By Kowsar Asad Warsame

 

Ssshssh…! Listen

Do you hear that?

That is the voice of a girl child

A child who is a future teacher

A future doctor and a future pilot

If only my dreams are not shattered

I think of myself as a star

With my own passion of light

I can shine if given the opportunity

Opportunity to follow my brothers to school

Opportunity to grow up and learn more from the 

teachers

If only my dreams are not shattered

I think of myself as a giraffe

My sight set high

Big vision on big things

You don't have to marry me off to an old man

Just because you think school is not the right place 

for a girl

I need to go to school and pursue my goals

I think of myself as a live engine

Always going never slowing

Time is elapsing

Let my education not be a hot spot

The old man is waiting for my hand in marriage

The old woman is waiting with a knife

I need to go to school and pursue my goals

I think of myself as a lion

To roar loud and be heard

You don't have to take me as your wife

Just because I am a beautiful girl

Instead teach me a mathematical formula

So that my dreams are not shattered

I think of myself as a star

I think of myself as a live engine

I think of myself as a giraffe

I think of myself as a lion

Dear teacher, parents and guardians

Give me the rights I am entitled to.