Islamic prayers that do not come
From mouths slapped shut
Are never heard
But strong women stand
After rape
And the birth
Of the world's burden
They are strong - they bend
They reach and pull
And show their anger
With enough decorum
To Withstand
The beauty of their middle-eastern lips
Is bruised and covered
With Burka to hold in the cries
Of women with no faces
And babies
Who will not live
The pain of the costume
And the veil around gagging
Are a realness of truth
That no esoteric
Dogma can explain
Away
Rena Birk-Kizilisik©
Barry University, What Oft Was Thought, Vol.7,2002
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Lovely piece of poetry depicting the strength and dignity inherent in muslim women as they courageously seek for their empowerment in a very serious patriarchal society, well articulated and insightfully penned with conviction. A lovely poem indeed. Thanks for sharing Rena. Please read my poem MANDELA - THE IMMORTAL ICON.