Spoken Words: We Rise

She speaks.
She is silenced.
She rises.
She is pushed down.
She suggests.
She is ignored.
She dreams
It is broken.
She tries
She is stopped.
She asks
She is not answered.
She wants
She is not provided for.
She needs
She is not catered for.
She seeks
She is not allowed to find.
She aims
She is misguided.
STOP.
Ask yourself why you hinder her.
Why does her progress cause you so much fear.
Are you worried she will excel and do better than you?
Are you scared she will know the truth?
Are you scared she will Be informed?
Are you scared she will make the right choices?
Are you scared? Yes you? Are you scared?
you the society. Are you scared.??
Yes you are. And you dont want us to know this truth.
You know we submit to your decisions because we fear the violence and the injustice that you will bring upon us.
But know that we know your truth - we feel a slow flow of power.
The power to stand even when you push us down.
The power to rise even when we are silenced.
The power to question even if you dont answer us.
We will stand up.
You will push me I will stand again.
You will push me again and I will stand again.
Eventually you will give up.
That moment will be my chance to rise.
Till than we will wait here. Patiently.
We will wait. Others before us have waited. Others with us are waiting too. We will stand up no matter how many times you push us down.
We will rise. Bigger. Better. Stronger. Faster. More informed. More strategic. More determined. More united.!
We will rise.
We will question.
We will demand.
We will challenge.
We will change.
We will negotiate.
We will remind you what our struggles were and why we are here.
We will rise.
And you will know when this rising has taken place because we will create waves!!


Until next blog 
AEB-M

Spoken Words: Marry my vagina

MARRY MY VAGINA!!!

(At birth)

Nurse: It's a little girl.
Mother: (tears in her eyes) Thank you God.
Father: (tears in his eyes) Why god! Why couldnt you give me a son who will work on the farm and earn me money. He would have been my support at old. Why did you give me a daughter who will be such a burden. I will have to pay dowry at her wedding and .. oh why did you this god? 
Baby: Who are these people? Who am I?

(At the age of 16)
Middle man/woman: So I was at the tea party yesterday and Mrs. Wrong's sisters, nephews, grandfathers, neighbors, dentist, daughters, boyfriends, aunts, nieces sister-in-laws son is in town. He is 25 years old. Tall. Fair. So handsome. He is a Doctor. Such a good boy. He lives in America. the family is so well off and I am sure Beti will be so happy there. 

(Let's showcase the daughter)
Mother: Beti, put on your good sari. Platte your hair nicely and apply some nice make up. Come and make some tea. Make sure the tea is good aacha. 

Enter the entourage from groom (to be's) side:
Nice house. 
Nice sari.
Have you lived here all your life?
How old is your daughter?
Can she cook?
How many sweets can she make?
Is she good with children?
She will need to look after our elderly parents too. 

Meanwhile, seated very nervously is the scared little 16 year old vagina who would rather be outside playing with her friends. She has homework to finish and two tests to read for. She has to collect her school uniform from the line and iron it for school tomorrow. She wanted to wash her school bag and clean her room too. BUT NO!! All of that can wait. More serious matters are being discussed child.! Your future is being discussed child.! This moment right here will determine if you will even continue with your education CHILD.! 
I am sorry what? You were coming first in class? And so? Can you cook? 
What? You are dux of the school - brilliant little child. But can you look after elderly grandparents? Oh you wanted that scholarship to become an engineer? Can you look after children? 

WAIT I am confused here - isn't she a child herself? She can't even make the decision of going to a field trip without parental consent and you want to marry her off?? 

Oh deary me. 
In comes Beti wearing sari, holding tray with cups of tea and trying not to make eye contact with anyone. 

The mumbling begin:
She's a bit dark aye. A little short. Slightly chubby. Her hair is oily. 

REALITY CHECK!! She could be a cold hearten murder for all you know. But NO! that piece of information is not vital to you because you are more concerned about her appearance. 

The mistake!
While making small talk the potential mother-in-law asks Beti what are thoughts on this marriage. 

A very nervous Beti heard the mumbling and grumbling and this provoked a loud voice from somewhere inside her.

Well you see lady. I am only 16 years old. As per the law of this country I am underage and can't get married. But that is not even the main reason why I wouldn't want to get married. 
I am 16. A child. 
I have an exam tomorrow and I will more exams for the next 8 years until I finish my engineers degree. YES! I will become an engineer. After those 8 years I will work for 2 years and travel the World for 6 months. After which I will return home and do my Master degree. Oh yeah that will take me at least another 2 years. That totals up to - 12 1/2 years to go + my current age of 16 that equals to 28 and 1/2 years of age. WOW by than your son will be 37 and half years old - right. WRONG. By than your son will be too old for me. As for the criteria of Job description that you set out for me... here are my questions to you?
What chores do you currently do in your home?
Can your son cook? 
How much money does he earn?
How much of that money will be mine?
How much of my money will be mine? 
Is he willing to get a vasectomy after our second child because I don't want any more than 2 children and I don't want to go on any contraception. 


You see it is very easy for society to put pressure on parents to marry their children off. But what for??? Dear society, how about you give me $20K to get married. How about that huh?? 

Dear parents, enjoy the company daughter. She is not a burden. Allow her to find love! Allow her to be happy in love and allow her to want to marry.!!!!

So she can have a happily ever after.

 Video

Spoken words: Vent

Look at yourself in the mirror
Those reds eyes did not appear over night
Pull your hair tight into a ponytail
And see that face that has been venting.
Put some color on your eyelids
And color your lashes too
Add some color on your cheeks and color them on your lips too.
Mwuah
Your eyes are still red and you are thinking in your head
A mind that wonders as much as mine its no wonder I look sad.
From shabby grey to a colorful face
Put a smile on now and you can pull off that lie of a face.
HOW ARE YOU TODAY??
i am very well thank you..
The worst lie I ever told myself
But others live a fake life too so thats okie.

this one for Palestine

The Truth will set you free!!!
The truth- they were refugees and sought refuge on another land.
The truth- they were being killed in their homes because "someone" dictated it.
The truth - now they are killing others and taking what did not belong to them to begin with.
The truth - those in Palestine gave them shelter!!! When they needed it..
The truth - Now they are claiming Palestine as their own and killing innocent people in Palestine
The truth- Palestine people have no access to water because the supply is cut off.
The truth- World leaders are siding with them and ignoring the pleas of Palestine.
The truth- little children are dying because of their inhumane acts.
The truth-
The truth-
The truth is making me angry by the second!
The truth makes me question humanity!
The truth makes me wonder what propagenda is at play behind all this.
The truth makes me ask 'who can help those in Palestine?'
The truth makes me sick to my stomach
The truth makes me pray!!
Pray for the lives
Pray for Peace
Pray for safety
Pray for one and all
Pray all day
Pray Pray Pray

~AEB-M~

Freedom

The following spoken words was written for the ZINE submission of Feminist Black Sheep and performed on her 1st Birthday bash :-) Happy Birthday FBS :-)

Here is the Spoken Words: Freedom video and script is below :-) 

*FOLLOW/ COMMENT and SHARE :-)

FREEDOM!!

I woke up for the first time after a first nights sleep
I woke up free
Free from responsibility
Free from ideology
Free from lies
Free from truths
Free from relationships
Free from all ties

Now i stand here looking back at life
Now I know what I had
Now I know what i have
Now i understand what i am
Now i understand what i have

Free to make friends
Free to choose my outfits
Free to go to family functions
Free to stay at home
Free to swing and slide at the park
Free to swim the oceans deep

Now i stand here and think what a life i have lived.
Now i know what i had
Now i know what i have
Now i understand what i cherish
Now i understand what is true happiness

Free to pick my subjects in school
Free to study late evening or at the break of dawn
Free to hang out with friends we get along
Free to ride a bike
Free to play sports i like
Free to draw
Free to dance
Free to write
Free to explore all my potentials or flaws

Now I stand here and think what choices i made
Now i know what i had
Now i know what i have
Now i understand what skills i have
Now i understand what i should go forth and get

Free to seek employment
Free to budget my earnings
Free to spend on sprees
Free to travel the world so beautifully
Free to socialize
Free to enterprise
Free to make friends and expand my network
Free to love and marry he who i think worthy

Now I stand here and think what opportunities i received
Now i know what i had
Now i know what i have
Now i understand what i have done
Now i understand what i need to do

Free to be a young woman of color
Free to call myself a feminist in this future
Free to be an advocate
Free to be an activist
Free to make plans as i see fit
Free to make pitches as I see the rift
Free to determine my own future

Now i stand here proud and content
Now i know what i had
Now i know what i have
Now i understand what i can achieve
Now i understand what thanks to sing

By her side.

She sits in front of the mirror all dolled up
He stands next to her uncertain of his emotion.

Keep smiling.
No need to cry.
You can see us whenever you please.
Just ring and I will arrange for you to be picked.
Dont cause trouble.
Dont talk back to them.
Be patient like you have been with us
And they should treat you well.

I have given you all I could.
I hope they give you all too.
You will have to make an effort from your end
Dont set your expectations too high.

Tell them before you go anywhere.
Be back on time.
Contribute with the daily chores
Dont be lazy everywhere

Some days will be sad
Some days you will struggle
Life is full of ups and downs
Its how you pull through in the end.

Dont be coming home crying over petty things.
Dont let them walk over you.
Stand for what you believe in is right.
It is not all about you.

Be honest.
Work hard.
Share your load with them.
Help relieve their burden
They are family too in the end.

Go now, finish all this dressing
the ceremony begins in a few minutes
Dont make me cry out there
I want to see you go well.

Tears streaming down her face
A white hankie clanched in her hand.
You gave ne this on first dag of school
You are the best.

A hug they share.
He leaves her side
She looks into the mirror deep.
Why do we have to leave home?
Leave our parents in the end?

*Until next blog
AEB-M

What sleep

Work
Play
Read
Watch
React
Excite
Assume
Speak
Listen
Write
Erase
Dust
Sit
Stand
Lie
Dance
Walk
Jog
Run
All in a days work...

Time to sign off from work and you can barely keep them eyes open.
Get on the bus and you can fall asleep on your neighbors shoulder.
Trying too hard to stay awake so you dont miss you stop.
Half asleep you get home.
Body tired.
Throat dry.
Legs dragging.
Eyes closing.
Mind chasing
That last minute thought.

Made it to the house. Put your bags away and wash your face.
Skip dinner tonight; there is no need.

Hit the bed
Count to 5
Your eyes open wide
A hundred and one things on your mind.

Did your lock the doors?
Did you send that last email?
Was it Anna I saw from the bus?
Did I wave back?
Is my phone ringing?
Who could be calling now?
What all do I have to do tomorrow?
What am I doing now?

Looking for that mental off switch
To kiss the world good night
The mind is reeling with the to-do list
It needs to be done this time

Eyes demand sleep
Brain wants to make a list
Hands are tired from working day
Feet would like a massage tonight
Back is hurting from sitting all day
Shoulder is crying in shame
Head hurts with a throbing pain
What else to prove Im sane?

Sleep is all I desire
Rest my body is all I want
A mockery my brain thinks this is
Sleep is for the dead it spills.

*Until next blog
AEB-M

Hashtag: Everything Is Good With Tea

A cup of hot water
Half a tea spoon of sugar
Two slices of ginger
Quick dip of a tea bag

Instant satisfaction!!
My daily dose of Cha!

Pot on the stove
Boil the water
Add the sugar
Grate in some ginger
Add a pinch of tea leaves
And bring to simmer

Good old stove slaved satisfaction
My daily dose of Cha!

Enter the food court
Find the restaurant
Pay a dollar (sometimes more)
Ek cup cha
Ek sugar

Lunch time maddess
My daily dose of Cha!

Working all day
Forget you are human
Tea time rumbles
Tummy grumbles
Hot water from the urn
Sugar from the sachet
Tea bag dipped

Afternoon tea time
My daily dose of Cha!

At least once in a day
Or withdrawal symptoms I have
Tried to give it up once
56 hours is all it took

Crawling to the kitchen I went
Biting nails as the tea brewed

Oggling eyes it looked
Very hot sip I took

My maddness
My daily dose of Cha!

*PS: Cha= Tea; ek= One.

My hash tag: Everything Is Good With Tea.

Until next blog
AEB-M

Balance check

When you are a kid you eat, play, sleep and repeat.
No care in the world because you dont know much about commitment, disappointment or consequences.
This is where you find balance.
Had enough to eat. CHECK!
Had enough sleep. CHECK!
Had enough to play. CHECK!

Step 2: time to cram in school.
You get big books and you learn tools.
Some you use.
Other are just issues.
You spend hours slaving over homework.
You spend hours studying for exams.
You spend hours talking to your friend.
You spend hours playing it cool.

There is still a balance check.
Home. School. Friends. Family. Sleep.

Step 3:  the 8hrs a day routine.
You hunt for a job to apply your knowledge in.
You strive to learn new skills.
You work to impress for a promotion maybe or just to pay the bill.
Sick sheets you get six in the year - yet there are twelve months??
Annual leave days you get ten to fofteen in the year. Is that really enough??
Come to work early daily no one notices.
Come late one day and you get a letter.
Submit reports on time there is no thank you. Hand it in one day late, here is your letter.
Miss lunch all week no one bothers. Take 15 minutes extra one day, here is your letter.

The balance is shifting.
Home. Work. Work. Family. Work. Friends. Work. Work.

We shift the balance.
We bring it upon ourselves.
We move the bench mark.
We shift the balance.

Keep the balance.

Work on time.
Eat on time.
Sleep on time.
Play on time.
Read on time.
Family time and friends time.
All in the balance of life.

Because no one gets out alive.

Until next blog...
AEB-M

oh Misery

Welcome to your destiny.
Please take a seat.
We apologize in advance for any inconviniences caused.
You see we appreciate your hard work and efforts.
We note that you are dedicated.
It has come to our attention that you are innovative and strive to do your best.
However, with that being said we will have to let you go.
You are ready to fly solo.
Here are some tools you can use.
Feel free to contact us if you require assistance.
You see this mother ship will always be here for you.
We are sad to see you go
But this is a necessary step we must take.
You see we dont want to hold you back.
We believe you can do so well.
Take care.
All the best.
Please call again.

*Untill next blog.
AEB-M

Workaholic Brain

The mind works day and night
24 hours a day
7 days a week
365 days a year
not a second it misses
Not an dull moment it has

Even when her body sleeps
her mind dreams of
dreams of gorgeous men on a beach
Dreams of unhealthy eating and not getting fat
Dreams of winning all crowns and contests wearing nothing more than ripped jeans and singlet
Dreams of the perfect guy who loves you
who lusts for you
who worships the ground you walk on

The ground so green
With trees all over the place
Huge fruit bearing trees
With beautiful; flowers that I can put in a vase

the vase I can place on my table
when I serve dinner tonight
For dinner I can cook my special chicken roast with potato and pumpkins
My mouth waters already

The bottle of water I bought today tasted funny
artisan water they say
Spring water they say

Spring break is coming up
Skimpy shorts and singlets
Ray-bans of different colors
Lemonades for 15 cents a glass
Brownies, cookies and cakes

Mum used to bake a lot
Her oven doesn't work anymore
She is the best cook I know
I know!
I have tried other cakes and cookies
I don't like it that much

I don't like a lot of things.
Cigarette smoke
Smell of coffee
Drunk people
Street harassment
Violent movies with too much gore

All this violence in the world
We seem to be advancing somewhere
But where are we going?
Where are we going?
Where am I going?

What was I even writing about.
ahh this foolish brain
The mind works day and night
24 hours a day
7 days a week
365 days a year
not a second it misses
Not an dull moment it has

until next blog
AEB-M 

Marry her off

MARRY MY VAGINA!!!

(At birth)Nurse: It's a little girl.

Mother: (tears in her eyes) Thank you God.

Father: (tears in his eyes) Why god! Why couldn’t you give me a son who will work on the farm and earn me money. He would have been my support at old. Why did you give me a daughter who will be such a burden. I will have to pay dowry at her wedding and .. oh why did you this god? 

Baby: Who are these people? Who am I?

(At the age of 16)

Middle man/woman: So I was at the tea party yesterday and Mrs. Wrong's sisters, nephews, grandfathers, neighbors, dentist, daughters, boyfriends, aunts, nieces sister-in-laws son is in town. He is 25 years old. Tall. Fair. So handsome. He is a Doctor. Such a good boy. He lives in America. the family is so well off and I am sure Beti will be so happy there. 

 (Let's showcase the daughter)

Mother: Beti, put on your good sari. Platte your hair nicely and apply some nice make up. Come and make some tea. Make sure the tea is good aacha. 

Enter the entourage from groom (to be's) side:

Nice house. 

Nice sari.

Have you lived here all your life?

How old is your daughter?

Can she cook?

How many sweets can she make?

Is she good with children?

She will need to look after our elderly parents too. 

Meanwhile, seated very nervously is the scared little 16 year old child who would rather be outside playing with her friends. She has homework to finish and two tests to read for. She has to collect her school uniform from the line and iron it for school tomorrow. She wanted to wash her school bag and clean her room too.

  

BUT NO!! All of that can wait. More serious matters are being discussed child.!

Your future is being discussed child.!

This moment right here will determine if you will even continue with your education CHILD.! 

  

I am sorry what? You were coming first in class?

And so? Can you cook? 

What? You are dux of the school - brilliant little child.

But can you look after elderly grandparents? Oh you wanted that scholarship to become an engineer? Can you look after children? 

WAIT I am confused here - isn't she a child herself? She can't even make the decision of going to a field trip without parental consent and you want to marry her off?? 

Oh deary me. 

In comes Beti wearing sari, holding tray with cups of tea and trying not to make eye contact with anyone. 

The mumbling begin:

She's a bit dark aye. A little short. Slightly chubby. Her hair is oily. 

REALITY CHECK!! She could be a cold hearten murder for all you know. But NO! that piece of information is not vital to you because you are more concerned about her appearance. 

The mistake!

While making small talk the potential mother-in-law asks Beti what are thoughts on this marriage. 

A very nervous Beti heard the mumbling and grumbling. There was a tight knot in her tummy right above her belly button. Her heart sank low somewhere inside her abdomen and she felt as if she was going to collapse on the floor right in front of everyone. She thought of the story she read some years ago about a child bride. She thought of the documentaries she has seen about domestic violence and arranged marriage. She thought of her mother who always called a Princess. She thought about her own hopes and dreams. She thought if she remains silent today she will be silenced for the rest of her life. She thought of her hopes and dreams. 

She set upright, looked up, locked eyes with this woman wanting to become her mother-in-law. She smiled at her curious face and spoke . . .

Well you see lady. I am only 16 years old. As per the law of this country I am underage and can't get married. But that is not even the main reason why I wouldn't want to get married. 

I am 16. A child. 

I have an exam tomorrow and I will more exams for the next 8 years until I finish my engineers degree. YES! I will become an engineer. After those 8 years I will work for 2 years and travel the World for 6 months. After which I will return home and do my Master degree.

Oh yeah that will take me at least another 2 years. That totals up to - 12 1/2 years to go + my current age of 16 that equals to 28 and 1/2 years of age. WOW by than your son will be 37 and half years old - right. WRONG. By than your son will be too old for me. As for the criteria of Job description that you set out for me... here are my questions to you?

What chores do you currently do in your home?
Can your son cook? 

How much money does he earn?
How much of that money will be mine?
How much of my money will be mine? 

Is he willing to get a vasectomy after our second child because I don't want any more than 2 children and I don't want to go on any contraception? 

You see it is very easy for society to put pressure on parents to marry their children off. But what for??? Dear society, why are you in such a hurry to marry me off? Am I burden on you? Is it you that has to pay for my livelihood? Is it you who will run to my side should this marriage go wrong? Is it you who will pay for my wedding? Answer me that! 

Dear parents, enjoy the company daughter. She is not a burden. Allow her to find love! Allow her to be happy in love and allow her to want to marry.!!!!

So she can have a happily ever after.

Windows of change

Good evening.
Kindly close your eyes and
Imagine a room
4 walls
2 doors (on opposite sides)
3 windows on one wall
2 on the other two
(Whispers-> one wall has none)

Imagine the walls white
Slightly stained because they havent been cleaned in some time.
6 ceiling fans - dusty and old-ish
5 wooden tables, vanished and well kept for their age with chair wooden chairs around it.

The room is bright as the sun shines through the windows
It us airy and cool because the wind comes in and the fans are spinning on number 2

Slowing one and than two walk in
Three
Four
Five
Six Seven Eight Nine Ten
Next thing I know 15 are here.
We wait for a while and stare at each other.

Smiles and hellos exchaged
Give it a few minutes 16, 17, 18, 19
Yup we shall start ...

"Good morning all my name is ... "

And thus starts my day to facilitate a session with youth.
No no dont open your eyes.

You see the room
You see faceless youth

Now imagine almost 20 young people
Aged between 18 - 35
They laugh
They talk
They draw
Thwy write
They walk about from table to the next
They question
They answer
They protest

They are the Youth
They are the here
They are the now
They want to change things
They want to know how


Youth envision a future
Like those before us did
Youth have plans for their future
Like those before us did
Youth want make changes
Like those before us
Youth want to participate
Like those before us did
Youth want that window of opportunity
Like those before us did

Now open your eyes
Do you remember how many windows we had in that room?? 

Clouds below

"This is your captain speaking. Please fastern your seat belts as we get ready to fly"
All Trays up.
All Bags stored away.
No seat inclined
No belt untied
Hold on tight
As we take flight.

Close my eyes real tight
Nothing in sight Nothing in sight
The flight when it takes I want to scream
Something about the height makes me reel

A few minutes later I feel all good
A peak I take out into the blue
Blue the water below me
Blue the sky around me
White the clouds

The clouds they float below me
The clouds so soft surrounding
To jump off one of them would be so cool
To bounce around all day like a fool

Soft and fluffy
I want to cuddle them
White and strechy
Like an odd lamb

All day
All night
They float around.

Rain or shine
They float around.

We fly or not
They float around.

Whether they like it or not
They float around.

The clouds below
The clouds above
A sight I love to see
For a minute there I forget anything else that can be

The clouds below
The clouds above
The are so comforting
Sometimes I wonder if theres any point counting.

The clouds below
The clouds above
So white and pretty
There is a chance we about to have a crash landing!!!

*

Familiar Walls

The familiarity of homeliness
The walls have the same color.
The door is where I left it.
The fridge has food I want to eat
The plate is the right size.
The bed is comfy, i can just sink in and sleep.
The pillow has the correct softness for my tired head 
The blanket is just warm enough for my exhausted body to relax.

Oh the familiarity of these walls.
The need to not wear anything fancy, coordinated, sophisticated or age appropriate (is a plus side).
Hair messed up, pinned up, let down or not brushed- not a care in the world.
The ticking wall clock how I wish had a dead battery.
The neighbors dog barking how I wish it had an enemy.
The pilled up laundry
The scattered jewelry
The dishes that need washing
The cloths that need ironing.
Oh the familiarity of these walls.

The shoes fit perfect
But I never have shoes to wear.
Wardrobe full of clothes but not sure what goes where
The calendar needs marking
Are we going somewhere?
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Due dates
Expires
Weddings
Dinners
Graduations
And some parties here and there.

You never find what you need on time
There is always a mess I leave behind.
Some days I shine bright like the sun and all chores are done before it is 1
Other days are gloomy and I could be asleep in the noon
Nevertheless I find comfort within these painted walls.

The trash I should take out.
The bed I need to make.
Dust the furniture well now and again.
Wipe clean everything.
Scrubbing and mopping
Sweeping and vacuuming 
Washing and drying
Ironing and folding.
the list is endless
Oh the familiarity of these walls
I know I am home...