Dear Me from the Past

By Mina

Dear Younger me, 

I know it is hard to survive  

In this patriarchal society 

But it is okay to go slow 

As long as you reach the goal; 

And don’t build a prison around you 

Just because the patriarchy says so; 

Dear Younger me, 

Not only men can make you feel less 

Women can do the same; 

You are not born only to be someone’s wife or breeder 

You can be more than what they say; 

Dear Younger me, 

Looks matter even if everyone denies it 

But never forget your brain and personality matter more 

And you are not weak because you are born a woman 

Remember that you are strong like your warrior ancestors  

Who fought for our rights; 

Dear Younger me, 

Never forget Elizabeth Staton 

Who fought for us women 

Dear Younger me, 

Never forget Teresa 

Who made the world a better place 

Dear Younger me, 

Never forget Oprah 

Whose past was undeniably hard 

But whose present shines like a star 

Dear Younger me, 

Never forget you are strong 

Because you are proud to be a woman  

Amidst the prejudice set by society, which one day  

You will surely change.