South Asian Connection (Part I)

Mother says – “you had fun yesterday,

You can’t have fun everyday.”

I was told: I could have fun 

after I get married.

Lie.

I was told: I would reach further

if I were a boy.

Truth.

I observed: my value is reduced

to the whiteness of my skin.

Fact.

I was made: to feel guilty

for existing as a free spirited WOMAN.

Hypocrisy.

I get hate: from my own race

cause I am not afraid to be me – 

This must change.

But first, Mother, when was the last time

you said you were proud of me?

Is that not the first step to

nurturing your girl child?

Through love and hate,

through toughness of parenting,

through achievements?

Should you not be the first –

to accept your South Asian girl child for 

who she truly is?