I want to feel free
I want to feel like me
But people wonder how can that be
When I’m “tied down” to this religion
That strips me of what makes me, me
People say I’m oppressed
People pray for my liberation
But what they don’t know is
God is the only one that makes me feel whole
God is the one who makes me feel free
God gives me the strength to run
Towards His light
That guides me
Because God doesn’t need my prayers
But this hole in my heart
This hole in my life
Can only be remedied
Through conversation with the Almighty
My life is weighed down by my responsibilities
And the only relief I feel
Is conversation with the only One who understands me
Understands my struggle
Understands my pain
Understands that all these thoughts in my brain
Can only be told
To the One who
Mends my soul
So, no I’m not oppressed
Or depressed
Because of this religion
That offers peace
In a world that beats
Me down to dust
No,
I turn to a God who raises me up
By Maryam Mohamed