Women's Liberation Poem by JEM JAN

Flickering Flame

Spirit of joy overwhelms the heart!
The loving heart with splendor
Each mind is filled with grandeur
I am a creation of God
I have right to live in this world!

As I take my form
I hear them saying
I be a boy or girl!
To quench me before I flame
Yet I managed to exist!

I am a splendid creation of God!
Happy do I in my mother’s womb?
Though they try to form a tomb!
I struggle to resist
I hear My father saying,
Tender and mild are my arms!
Love and care are my charms!

Dream dreams of life!
I born to the world’s hive!
World is full of knowledge
Gained not for my pill of voyage!
School is my right and just
Denied for rule as must
Is it woe to me
Or curse on me
Child labour is my fate
Stop your mocking debate!
Is freedom far behind
To go and move around like you
Is gender equality a dream?
To have life’s little pleasure
Victim me with pressure!
My cries are unheard
My scars are unseen
I long to live for joy!
But pains of days are my treasure
It ‘s my hearts pure measure!
Who will feel for my future?
My suffering is a book of wisdom
Research me as your own custom
Womb to tomb I live with fear!
Your wild strange hands near!
Never spent days without tears
Is it my reward?
You all write this for award!
When I think this I go mad
My heart becomes so sad
I love blossom in an air
You fight strongly I bear!
Don’t try stopping, the flickering lamp!
It’ll burn you the forest damp!
I arise I don’t leave my hope
I march my land with cope
Let my folk join hands to create
Don’t delay saying so late!

The old shells are dead and gone
Spirit of joy leads me on!
Tread the path of legends
I share my dreams to you today
I long to live and grow each day!
My dreams are not spilled for filed
Dreams of a deserted girl child!

-JEM