The Cost of Being a Woman

After several hours of travail in labor
The news of my arrival brought disappointment
He had hoped for a boy, a heir
One that would run the family business
And carry on the family name
This was my cost of being born a girl.

After a sleepless night due to anxiety
My excitement soon turned to a night mare
The day I set foot in school
Little did I know that I was a target for ridicule
My voice and opinions were insignificant
This was my cost of being a female student

After patiently waiting to have my own space
My childhood was robbed by early marriage
Married off to a man I either knew or loved
Battered, abused and left for death
The weight of the world seemed to pull me down
This was my cost for being a woman

After eagerly waiting for when it would all be over
My adult life was robbed by enormous responsibilities
Overwhelmed by the needs of my children
I worked hard to the core of my being
To ensure that they would have a better future than did
This was my cost for being a mother

After battling through to the finishing line
My old age was snatched by an incurable disease
In pain and anguish I lay down daily waiting for death
Which seemed to enjoy eluding me
Finally peace like a river swept over my soul
This was my prayer for every battered woman