Valsa George Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Jan. 22.2025

In their Voice Historical Poetry Contest

Sponsor- Crystol Woods

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Martyred for Freedom

Masha Amini was an Iranian woman who was kept captive in jail for clamoring for Women’s Rights. Later she died in police custody under suspicious circumstances. Her death led to widespread civil unrest and protests. This is in the voice of Masha/ Civil uprising in Iran-Year, 2022

What crime did I do to deserve this?
To be brutally beaten and imprisoned?
When rapists, rogues and robbers roam scot-free
What crime did I do to deserve this persecution?

I am a woman of self-respect and dignity
I believe man and woman have equal rights
I wish to see my sisters walk in dignity
I can’t but rebel against all man-made manacles,
That bind a woman’s hands and legs,
Putting shackles on her mind, and body.
My mind revolts when we can’t walk free.
So offensive it is to cover our heads with hijab
And wrap ourselves in several folds of linen.
I feel it a blatant denial of human rights.

I am sure the unreasonable restrictions imposed,
Will smother and cripple the fair sex.
I am allegedly arrested and am now in prison bars,
For violating and disrespecting Iran’s ‘Modesty code’
The fanatics dream that with my death, 
The clamor for freedom will die down.

I am sure it will only blaze fierce in future days,
Thousands will join, holding hands,
Pledging their solidarity for a common cause,
Drawing inspiration from me and women like me.
Again, our shrieks for freedom,
Can never be stifled or silenced.

In cloistered darkness, I wait, 
Hoping to witness a bright sunrise.

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Crystol Woods February 20, 2025 at 6:42 AM I am right with you on this... first beautifully written and expression of frustration and anger. The reader can feel the strong emotion from this voice and powerful beliefs. Thank you for writing about something we all need to know and understand. Congratulations on your placement! Xoxo

Joe Maverick January 27, 2025 at 2:13 PM Joe Dimino puts it so well Valsa.'

Joseph P. DiMino January 22, 2025 at 4:40 PM "So offensive it is to cover our heads with hijab And wrap ourselves in several folds of linen. I feel it a blatant denial of human rights." For those that wish to, it is fine. But no one should be forced by penalty of death. "our shrieks for freedom, Can never be stifled or silenced. In cloistered darkness, I wait, Hoping to witness a bright sunrise." I join you in this prayer for liberation. Blessings.

Sotto Poet January 22, 2025 at 1:37 PM A touching poem, dear Valsa. It centers on the fight for women's rights and independence in the face of restrictive societal and political systems. It emphasizes the injustices suffered by women, notably in Iran, where stringent laws and cultural standards violate their liberty and dignity. It also focuses on Masha Amini's personal experience with incarceration and her perseverance, as well as the larger civic revolt sparked by her death, which represents a communal battle for equality and human rights.

Jay Narain January 22, 2025 at 10:36 AM Equality of human rights, men and women, will eventually become the law of humanity.

John Read January 22, 2025 at 10:08 AM Sadly Iran's evil is slowly spreading across the world, Islam is replacing christianity. Wish you well in the contest Valsa. xx

Ink Empress January 22, 2025 at 9:26 AM Dear sweet valsa, what a profound and powerful take this is! So well written and articulated and so seamlessly your words flow with such deeply moving emotions. I do have some poets from iran on instagram, and we also write many times on prompts hosted to raise awareness on the challenges and injustices women face in Iran specifically, iv written couple of times too so its refreshing and empowering to read this poem dear valsa! You have such a deep heart and soul and you feel for so many! “ I believe man and woman have equal rights I wish to see my sisters walk in dignity” YES! FAV this is! Best wishes always. Sending you light always

Stephan McBride January 22, 2025 at 8:00 AM Definitely sad, how mankind could be so blinded and full of hatred,with pride,hypocrisy being the god of their own belly, .May, the God of living , begin to fulfill his works and hear the prayers of his humble children, much love and prayers for you and your family, thanks for being a voice for all : )

Daniel Henry Rodgers January 22, 2025 at 6:19 AM Dear Valsa, Your voice here is a flame, unwavering, fierce, and heartbreaking. You’ve captured the weight of injustice and the unyielding power of hope with such raw truth. Masha’s spirit shines through your words. I pray for the families that this has happened way to often. Makes me sad! Winter Blessings, My Dear Friend, Daniel

Yann Rolland January 21, 2025 at 11:57 PM freedom can be fragile in some countries, very touching poem , hope it is a fiction thanks poet