Poems

maha want to fly

For the women in Swat

They shriek from loudspeakers
Their voices, shrill sheep bleats
Go home, women, they call
No work, no school for you
You walk on the streets
Without your father, brother, husband
You get mugged, raped, killed
Protect yourselves
Cover up, they say
Stay home
And you shall be safe
Forget your education, your professions
Your self discovery
Stay inside,
And you shall be safe.

In her sleeveless frock
Maha bounces into the street
Chasing after her red balloon
Maha want to fly, she calls
Maha want to fly
Her two year old feet patter into potholes
Still she smiles.