Grace Etim-James
@graceetimjames
1 year ago
Title: DILEMMA
Written by: Grace James
#poetry #July2023Poetry
I am a woman, So what?
I have to choose between motherhood and having a career. I am expected to show my loyalty to my husband. Even if it means sacrificing my career.
I can't have it both ways, Because I am a woman.
At 25, I must start showing signs of marriage
While my 30 year old brother runs around worry free.
They tell me the only way I can be respected Is by having a man by my side, Because I am a woman.
I argue with a man, he slaps me. They say it's my fault. I should not have provoked him. I should have been silent and let him have his way. After all, he's a man and I am a woman.
I argue with a man, I slap him.
Hmm! She lacks home training, untamed woman,
Can't make a good wife.
So the degree of my womanhood Is measured by
The degree of my silence in the face of oppression.
He runs a company at 28,
He's considered hardworking, industrious, Talented, Husband material!
I own a company at 28,
Aaah! She's a runs girl, a hustler, leg opener
She doesn't even have a husband,
Can't set her priority straight.
Let her go and marry abeg!
So my success in life is based on having a man beside me, Because I am a Woman.
A man has a child out of wedlock, No one raises an eyebrow. No one questions him.
So why should she be crucified for being a single mother? What makes her situation different from his?
Is it because she is a woman?
I get married. One year, two years, three years,
No sign of pregnancy. All finger points to me.
They call me Ogbanje, Witch!
That I have eaten all my children in my womb.
Some dare to say, 'Abortion has destroyed your womb'. No one suspects the man.
All eyes are on me, Because I am a Woman.
My husband cheats, I take the blame.
They say dress well, look sexy, cook for him,
Don't challenge him, worship him, pray harder.
They say it's in a man's nature to cheat.
But when I seek the love and attention,
I'm lacking at home, outside.
They tag me a whore, a loose woman,
An abomination and condemned to death.
Because I am a Woman.
#Poetry #July2023Poetry