I Am Fire

I am a bird
This is what I have often heard
But do I have the power to chirp and sing ?
Do I have the power to unfurl my wings ?

Who will decide whether l am a curse or a pride ?

I am not a bird
Let my voice be today heard.
I am not a bird
Let my voice be today heard .

I don't have any wings
Even my imagination is clipped .
Each and every desire of mine is ripped
Ripped even before my birth
Because I am a girl
Whose life is full of eddies and whirls.

My birth is often a question mark
My birth is often a question mark
Because in every nook and corner
To devour me there is a shark .

Don't do this.
Don't do that.
Don't wear this.
Don't go out.
Don't be loud.
Don't call your friends.
Don't follow the latest trends.

My life is full of Don'ts
How long will l be able to bear these taunts ?

My heart is in pain
Because a devil is lurking in every lane .

They say l am meek .
They say l am weak.
On me anyone can play a trick.
Now who is this anyone ?
This is everyone's favorite son
Who thinks l am his toy
Because he is a boy.
Who thinks l am his toy
Because he is a boy.

I am always in a hidden cage
Because he is a wolf full of rage.
He whistles.
He follows.
He abuses
And sometimes touches stealthily.
Pushes from right.
Pinches from left
And jostles from behind .
And this world is blind.
Yes, this world is blind .
Because to him this world is kind.

Enough is enough
Because now l do mind.
My way l have to find.
Education will be my tool.
I refuse to be a fool.

My voice will now not be hushed.
My spirit l refuse to be crushed.
Let devil be beware
Because now l am fire.
I am fire and will burn the devil's pyre.
I am fire and will burn the devil's pyre.