O Woman
Free Verse37 total reviews
Comment from Aiona
What an interesting poem! I don't normally care for free verse, but this poem intrigued me, and not just due to the famous picture posted with it. I thought it was a poem about all women who "bleed." But then I got to the lines "stoically you bleed/without questioning why" and I realized it isn't for all women. I've always questioned things. I've always been able to. And then I understood the reason for the picture. Sharbat Gula hasn't always been allowed to question things in both her native Afghanistan, and then her adopted country Pakistan, and maybe even now in her third adopted country Italy. And even though I have always questioned many policies in my own country, I have seen increasing silencing of debate of both men and women, especially over the past twenty years. So there may come a time when my kids (both men and women) are recruited to bleed for things they don't understand. And I will not allow that. I will leave this country before I will allow that because I have always questioned things, and will fight to continue to do so. Very wonderful and thought-provoking poem.
reply by the author on 27-May-2023
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What an interesting poem! I don't normally care for free verse, but this poem intrigued me, and not just due to the famous picture posted with it. I thought it was a poem about all women who "bleed." But then I got to the lines "stoically you bleed/without questioning why" and I realized it isn't for all women. I've always questioned things. I've always been able to. And then I understood the reason for the picture. Sharbat Gula hasn't always been allowed to question things in both her native Afghanistan, and then her adopted country Pakistan, and maybe even now in her third adopted country Italy. And even though I have always questioned many policies in my own country, I have seen increasing silencing of debate of both men and women, especially over the past twenty years. So there may come a time when my kids (both men and women) are recruited to bleed for things they don't understand. And I will not allow that. I will leave this country before I will allow that because I have always questioned things, and will fight to continue to do so. Very wonderful and thought-provoking poem.
Comment Written 27-May-2023
reply by the author on 27-May-2023
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Thank you so very much for your apt statements about this piece. Your thoughtful and encouraging words really resonated with me! I'm very glad you thought it was interesting!!
Melissa
Comment from 1Dreamer
Congratulations! I love how this piece and accompanying picture take us on a very personal journey that we can relate to. Thank you for sharing this beautiful write.
reply by the author on 27-May-2023
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Congratulations! I love how this piece and accompanying picture take us on a very personal journey that we can relate to. Thank you for sharing this beautiful write.
Comment Written 27-May-2023
reply by the author on 27-May-2023
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Thank you so very much for your lovely and encouraging words! I'm very glad you liked it!!
Melissa
Comment from rspoet
Hello Melissa,
A beautiful free verse poem of the endless trials,
the pain, and the insanity of life in this male dominated world.
"O Woman, you bleed for humanity!"
Sometimes one has to wonder why.
Best wishes to you.
Robert
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2023
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Hello Melissa,
A beautiful free verse poem of the endless trials,
the pain, and the insanity of life in this male dominated world.
"O Woman, you bleed for humanity!"
Sometimes one has to wonder why.
Best wishes to you.
Robert
Comment Written 15-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2023
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Hi Robert. Thank you for your insightful thoughts on this FV... I know it is rough and real, but I felt it and needed to write it :).
Melissa
Comment from Carol Clark2
Wow, this is a powerfully strong poem! The picture is poignant -- it's hard to believe she's only 12. That ragged tunic pulls at the heartstrings, as do your words. Wish I had a six for this. Best wishes in the contest.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Wow, this is a powerfully strong poem! The picture is poignant -- it's hard to believe she's only 12. That ragged tunic pulls at the heartstrings, as do your words. Wish I had a six for this. Best wishes in the contest.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Hello Carol. Thank you. I know it is a bit rough and real, but I felt I needed to write it. So appreciate your thoughts!
Melissa
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I'm glad you did.
Comment from karenina
You've penned a haunting, painful free verse that pairs so very well with the famous photo that I know took me aback when I realized it was of a twelve-year-old girl... To bleed, physically, emotionally psychologically is to pour out the very self. In her society and in so many more, women are expendable. Good for what men say they are good for and punished for exhibiting any sense of self-worth. I certainly hope your poem is in the winner's circle -- number one, I hope!
Karenina
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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You've penned a haunting, painful free verse that pairs so very well with the famous photo that I know took me aback when I realized it was of a twelve-year-old girl... To bleed, physically, emotionally psychologically is to pour out the very self. In her society and in so many more, women are expendable. Good for what men say they are good for and punished for exhibiting any sense of self-worth. I certainly hope your poem is in the winner's circle -- number one, I hope!
Karenina
Comment Written 15-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Hello Karenina... thank you so much for you powerful and insightful review. I so appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me!!
Melissa
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Great poem!
Comment from tempeste
Ciao sugarray, I remember that pic, those piercing eyes.
For centuries men decided our role in history, in society.
We were supposed to birth babies
keep the household running
and keep our men happy in bed.
Then came the female revolution starting in the late 60s ... women started to become the master of their own destiny.
We have gone a long way but not all I believe achieved has been for the better.
Eg. abortion...I think having this option has made many women slack/reckless in their sexual behaviour.
Have you seen the film "What is A woman" ?
Political commentator Matt Walsh, goes around asking women to define what is a woman..most don't know what to say ..one replied :
a woman is what one wants it to be..
Wtf , I said.
This of course is crap..sadly the definition of a woman has become distorted/blurred due to all this crazy gender /transgender crap.
A woman is an adult female,
it's a person born with female genitalia who can bear children.
Here is the trailer .. the film is an eye-opener. A must-see.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Ciao sugarray, I remember that pic, those piercing eyes.
For centuries men decided our role in history, in society.
We were supposed to birth babies
keep the household running
and keep our men happy in bed.
Then came the female revolution starting in the late 60s ... women started to become the master of their own destiny.
We have gone a long way but not all I believe achieved has been for the better.
Eg. abortion...I think having this option has made many women slack/reckless in their sexual behaviour.
Have you seen the film "What is A woman" ?
Political commentator Matt Walsh, goes around asking women to define what is a woman..most don't know what to say ..one replied :
a woman is what one wants it to be..
Wtf , I said.
This of course is crap..sadly the definition of a woman has become distorted/blurred due to all this crazy gender /transgender crap.
A woman is an adult female,
it's a person born with female genitalia who can bear children.
Here is the trailer .. the film is an eye-opener. A must-see.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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I loved everything about your review and the points you mentioned, Franca. Thanks for the trailer... I hope to watch it this afternoon. I really appreciate your thoughts on this piece. I know it is rough and raw, but I felt I needed to write it. Thank you. Hugs, sweet friend.
Melissa
Comment from Carlos' girl
There is alot of bleeding going on here huh? I get the point you try to make, but you make it sound like men are out galavanting around while women are " bleeding". I think Alice Cooper already said this in his song " Only Women Bleed". The redundancy here is just too obvious
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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There is alot of bleeding going on here huh? I get the point you try to make, but you make it sound like men are out galavanting around while women are " bleeding". I think Alice Cooper already said this in his song " Only Women Bleed". The redundancy here is just too obvious
Comment Written 15-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Thanks for your honest review!!
Melissa
Comment from CrystieCookie999
This free verse tribute poem for women but with a specific photograph accompanying it was very strong. It took on a universal tone. I believe there was a follow-up photo to that one you used, when the girl was about another twenty years older. She looked old before her time in both photos. It sure reminds the reader to be grateful for where they live.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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This free verse tribute poem for women but with a specific photograph accompanying it was very strong. It took on a universal tone. I believe there was a follow-up photo to that one you used, when the girl was about another twenty years older. She looked old before her time in both photos. It sure reminds the reader to be grateful for where they live.
Comment Written 15-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Thanks Crystie... yes, this is famous and there was a follow up. I looked it all up prior to posting and she is being treated as a national hero in Afghanistan. I really appreciate your views on this piece!
Melissa
Comment from nomi338
As Mary the mother of Jesus, was forced to stand and watch her beloved son bleed out and die. Mothers throughout millennia have had to mourn the blood leading off unto death of their sons. Unable to stem the tide, so many tears the been forced to hide, so many of their sons have needlessly die.
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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As Mary the mother of Jesus, was forced to stand and watch her beloved son bleed out and die. Mothers throughout millennia have had to mourn the blood leading off unto death of their sons. Unable to stem the tide, so many tears the been forced to hide, so many of their sons have needlessly die.
Comment Written 14-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Thank you very much! I appreciate your thoughts on this piece Nomi!!
Melissa
Comment from poetwatch
I feel that this poetic work is on based on the suffering of all women. I am correct so far, right, Melissa? :) Since the beginning of time women have been the silent partner of men. When men become great not many people notice the one who made them great. IT'S YOUR TURN, BABY! :) This is a very good entry for the Free Verse Poem Contest. Thank you for sharing. :)
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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I feel that this poetic work is on based on the suffering of all women. I am correct so far, right, Melissa? :) Since the beginning of time women have been the silent partner of men. When men become great not many people notice the one who made them great. IT'S YOUR TURN, BABY! :) This is a very good entry for the Free Verse Poem Contest. Thank you for sharing. :)
Comment Written 14-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 15-Apr-2023
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Hello Jose. Thank you so very much for your thoughts and review. You definitely 'got it' and I am grateful for your comments. Hugs!!
Melissa