I Wish I Were a Boy

By Ayesha Motiwala

I really wish I were a boy,
Where my existence brings nothing but joy.
Not questioned, not cast aside,
Where my ambition won’t be denied.

Not forced to diminish my desires so small,
Or prove my worth while they wish I’d fall.
They get acclaimed for doing the least,
While my every win feels ceased.

No need for validation at every turn,
Receiving respect without expecting in return.
Just picture a father, proud and true,
Seeing my strength, believing in me too.

A mother who fights for every chance,
Defending my choices, my dreams, my stance.
But as a girl, my dreams don’t hold the same weight,
My achievements dismissed, defined by fate.

“Too emotional,” they say, “too weak to stand tall,”
While I navigate a world that expects me to fall.
I’m aware of the struggle, the bias, the game,
And all I desire is freedom from blame.

“Don’t go out; it’s far too late.”
“Don’t wear that, or you’ll be raped.”
“Don’t speak too loud, don’t stand too tall-”
For women, it’s “don’t”; for men, it’s “all.”

And I’m the one to bear the blame,
Put my head down and walk in shame.
It’s not men’s gaze that should be cast down,
But the clothes I wear-those are at fault.

How wrong and rebellious of me to speak,
Pouring out my rage, though it feels weak.
If being a girl means feeling so small,

Then all I want is to be a boy.
Is being a woman really a curse?
In a society where a man’s word
Is more acclaimed than a woman’s worth.