I wear a smile upon my face

But my eyes tell my story

If your eyes could

wander beyond the surging mountains

Then you would understand my thoughts

If you were to open your shades

Despite your fear of the Sun

You would look beyond my flaws and my spots  

If you could open the plugs

Planted inside the ears of your mind

You’d discover my thoughts illuminating the sky

If you’d choose to hear that soft sound,

Beyond the Wild fleets

Then to you, the clarity of my thoughts would be high

If like a tree you were to allow water

To climb up your roots, through the branch lines

You would have planted your feet beside mine

If you were to divide the colors

That you find in my eyes

Through you, my thoughts would seem divine

If you’d allow the euphoria of the birds

To kiss your skin

Perhaps, your hopes would be shared with mine

--Even If, my boat shifted to another land

Perhaps you would’ve joined the ride   

If you will join me, know--

That I stand in pursuit of a wild dream

To break free from the chains

That society has inflicted upon me

I can hear the cries of my mother

Haunting me in my sleep

Even as she silently lays

Right before me

My sister folds her tiny fingers into mine

My brother howls

Our family is torn between

A distant mountain and an avalanche that scowls

--Callously upon us  

Understand the reason behind our tears

Lend a hand to a child

Who lives in fear

--of the atrocities

That the monsters in the world have engineered

Your silence is like a noose

Its usage is determined by whether I wear a colorful shawl above my head

Or let the black waves of my hair loose

and with it, my pain will never be reduced

Because in this large city of ferociously tall buildings

I still feel deserted

Whether I be a child in Gaza, bleeding from a rocket’s red flare

Or a Bangladeshi mother saving her child from the flood--

Would you care? Or would you just stare?

To you maybe I’m  just a “little girl”

waiting for a smile to appear upon her mother’s face

When her father is no where in place

But, I am, without a trace--

A woman wanting her voice to be heard

Because it can sing higher than anyone elses

In this world we must tear ourselves apart from

The unfair, and unjust

Women with opinions must be allowed to shine.

Don't expect our opinions to rust

Help me break this silence, let colorful female voices be unfurled?  

It must be done, our strength must reach the world.