A Letter To My Mother

I ask my mother why I am to stay in

While no one asks my brother where he’s been

While he celebrates being free

And I am condemned by society for being me?

I ask her WHY,

My future husband gets me without even having to try

My mother replies “Daughter you have to conform

To Society,” But Mother oh Mother, I want to be the one to reform

Mother, don’t ask me to stop,

Don’t ask me to block,

These views that you see as rebellion

The ones that label me a shrew and a hellion

Mother, these views are who I am,

Mother, please try to understand

I’m not angry because you don’t agree

I understand that’s who you were taught to be

But times are changing and I get that you’re scared

I know mother, and I promise I care

But there some things that I can’t ignore

Things that make me want to scream and roar

When they tell a victim she is at fault

For allowing herself to be subject to assault

Why can’t they focus instead on the who, not the why

Don’t make excuses for the attacker, no don’t even try

Because there is no excuse

For all the injustice and abuse

That my sisters face

Regardless of religion, nationality or race

They deserve my voice, my attention my care

Till this problem becomes something that is so rare

That it’s never felt

When my sisters can love the hand they are dealt

That is when I’ll stop,

Until then, Mother I’ll fight till I drop.

-Imperio-edSoul