Poetry: Rules By: Aminat Titilayo Bakare

You are a Woman!

You here me?

So you put your eye down

Don't slouch and sit straight

Bitter therein is not allowed

Make a meal three a times 

Forget wearing a uniform

Perfect you must your sewing skills

Flawless is what is expected.

So I forgot about my dreams of sitting in a class

I carry my bowl and head to the stream

The long lane before me like my life

A cooped up episode from a dreary movie

I savour to hold a pen in my hands

Even if I'm acquainted with only the touch of a cooking spoon

You're a woman.

You here me?

Do not even dream of slaving Yourself 

Not in front a board and chalk at least

Do it here,

Yes, here you are wanted.

-Meenah Bakare