I want to tell you
Pack your things
And leave me alone
Let misfortune and adversity
Be your constant companion
I am not ash that falls at your command
I am not the wine that fills your glass
I am not the drum beneath your strikes
I want to tell you
I unraveled our bond
I locked my heart
And buried the key in mud
Tomorrow
I will adorn my eyes with kohl
Grace my lips with rouge
Decorate my hands with henna
I will celebrate myself
Sing for my beauty
I’ll hide my body
So you shan’t claim it
And you won’t call me
“my love”
I’ll burn incense
In my bedroom
To exorcise your odor.
I’ll collect
Your clothes
To tear them into shreds
One by one
I’ll celebrate my body
I am the queen of this realm
I’ll be the one raising her voice
When bread is unbaked
Slam doors when laundry is undone
And send you back to your father’s
I will tell you
Release this chain
It’s no longer sweet
Give me back
My body
My love
Depart from my realm