What Makes Me a Woman

"What Makes Me a Woman?" Sitting in my bed, One idle afternoon. Looking in the mirror. I asked myself, For a millionth time, What makes me a woman? Is it the role of a daughter? Mother, wife and a sister? A heart that is selfless, Kindness unconditional, Generous and giving soul. Beauty that embarrasses the moon, Warmth that melts snow, Or passion brighter than the fire. Or to have no Desire of my own And No hopes that are mine. Is it the unlived moments, Unseen dreams Giving up my life, My goals for the greater good, And Living the life Chosen for me by the loved ones or Beloved. Is it the same epic, eternal question Eve asked when she looked at Adam? I thought. My heart, As stubborn and childish as it could be, Smiled and whispered to me, “all that makes you human." Knowing that You belong to yourself first, That's what makes you a woman. Saadia Syed