To a non-Muslims Woman by Rashid Khan

When you look at me
All that you can see
Is it the scarf that covers my hair
My words you can't hear
Because you're too full of fear
Mouth gaping, all you do is stare

You think it's not my choice
In your own "liberation" you rejoice
You think I'm uneducated
Trapped, oppressed and subjugated
You're so thankful that you're free

But non-Muslim woman you've got it wrong
You're the weak and I'm the strong
For I've rejected the trap of man
Fancy clothes-low neck, short skirt
Those are devices for pain and hurt
I'm not falling for that little plan

I'm a person with ideas and thought
I'm not for sale, I can't be bought
I'm me-not a fancy toy
I won't decorate anyone's arm
Nor be promoted for my charm
There is more to me than playing coy

Living life as a balancing game-mother
Daughter, wife, nurse, cleaner, cook, lover
And still bring home a wage
Who thought up this modern "freedom?"
Where man can love 'em and man can leave 'em
This is not free, but life in a cage
Always jumping to a male agenda
Competing on his terms
No job share, no creche facilities
No feeding and nappy changing amenity
No time off for menstrual pain
"Hormones" they laugh "what a shame"
No equal pay for equal skill
Your job they can always fill
No promotion unless you're sterilized
No promotion unless you're sexually terrorized
And this is liberation?

Non-Muslim woman you can have your life
Mine-it has less strife
I cover and I get respected
Surely that's to be expected
For I won't demean the feminine
I won't live to male criterion
I dance to my own tune
And I hope you see this very soon
For your own sake-wake up and use your sight
Are you so sure that you are right?