I See In You A Strong Woman Poem by Tondana Fatimah Seebaway

Determined to change your circumstances
On a mission for a better life
Leaving your home from far yonder
Into a foreign town
Where you know no one
About to live a less dignifying life
I see in you a strong woman

You sleep in the market
In the streets, open places and in kiosks
The harsh weather you are exposed to
The hungry mosquitoes you are exposed to
The unscrupulous men you are exposed to
In illegitimate and forceful copulation they engage with you
And illegitimate offspring you produce
Oh what a life you live
I see in you a strong woman

In the early hours of the morn you wake
Along with you your pan you take
To help buyers in the market carry their load
No matter the weight you are so bold
A meagre income you earn
Not worth the weight you bear
I see in you a strong woman

Why do you sacrifice your education for this venture?
Why put your life in jeopardy?
Why subject your religion to peril?
What exactly is it that you seek?
Comfort? Luxury? Security? Good life? Or what?
Are these not for mum and dad to provide?
So why take all these risks?
Oh I remember; not all the fingers are equal
I see in you a strong woman

For how long do you have to live this life?
For how long will this go on?
For how long has this been in existence?
When will this all come to an end?
Will it ever come to an end?
By your condition I am saddened
Because my sister you are
I am heartbroken by all you go through
What can I possibly do to help you?
The least I can do is write this piece
And pray that God the Almighty grants you peace
Protects you, preserves you and gives you all your needs
I see in you a strong woman

Until that brighter future which you seek dawns on you
My coins I will give to you
When you carry my load
My cedis cannot secure you the brighter future you seek
But I hope that my little cedis will take you to your peak
And will sustain you come the morrow
Without you going to borrow
For I see in you a survivor
And I see in you a family provider
I see in you a strong woman