Just a Girl

Look at them , gossiping while they knit, and sew their nets for the fishermen. Every day the same, knit, sew, gossip. Is that really all there is? Here I am, fifteen years old, strong, want to learn, spread my wings, do something amazing, be famous, have an escape from all of this. If I can’t be amazing or famous, let me at least use my mind, expand my knowledge, do some good, not stagnate in this place. All they think about is a husband, children, a house, nothing more. I want much more, either with or without a man and a child. If I told them what I have in mind, they’d laugh and scoff, shake their heads, they’d say it was such a foolish dream, because I am “just a girl”. One day, I’ll show them, when I’ve gone from here and left my trace, that there can be more to life for we women, than gossiping in the sun, knitting or making their nets. Ruth Mawdsley 17-10-18