Clipping Wings At Tender Age Poem by Ali Farah

Oftentimes, cultures build the cage,
Locking dreams at a tender age.

"You are a girl; stay in your lane,
What boys do will bring you no gain."

"You are a girl; a wife you'll be,
Your life is duty, not to break free."

"You are a girl; learn every chore,
Your worth is tied to household role."

"You are a girl; to his house you'll go,
Your dreams abandoned, a life to forego."

"You are a girl; no career, no flight,
Stay grounded, they say—it's only right."

And so, they clip wings before they can soar,
Leaving many to wonder: could there be more?