Malala Yousafzai
(For Malala Yousafzai)
five times shot
by medieval misogyny
bullets of brittle belief
aimed by ancient assassins
at innocent dreams
fifty million young girls
take to second-class beds
every third world night
but this one slender flower
empowered by sisterhood
shared at the roots
flush with uncommon courage
caught all of their bullets
in soft-handed petals
and offered them bitterless
back to the ignorant
wanting no more
than the beauty of knowledge
this living articulate
thinking survivor
exemplifies virtue as victor
implausible teacher
of triumph against
a barbaric theocracy
tyranny poorly disguised as divine
she stands righteous ground
earns admiring affection
and praise from the rational minds
and benevolent hearts
keeping balance in worldly affairs
while doyens of Swede meritorium
cling to their cold nonchalance
Amazing poem about an amazing girl.
LikeLike
on her behalf I thank you
LikeLike
Reblogged this on unolilly and commented:
There’s a really important message in here: I’m stunned by this beautiful interpretation
LikeLike
thank you for sharing this poem with your readers – and for your lovely comment
LikeLike
Well done, Paul! I love this poem and the thoughts behind it that so many good-willed people have towards this lovely young lady. Shame on the shooter and the corrupt belief system that armed his heart with hate.
Blessings ~ Wendy
LikeLike
thank you kindly, Wendy
LikeLike
Powerful writing, Paul, powerful.
LikeLike
having seen her interviewed, she is powerfully impressive
LikeLike
A wonderful and clearly heart-felt tribute to a courageous young woman. I really enjoyed reading this. Thank you.
LikeLike
on her behalf, I greatly appreciate your comment
LikeLike
Thank you, Paul. I have shared it on my church’s Facebook page.
LikeLike
Pingback: The Courageous Young Girl: Malala | Posts And Poems
An outstanding poem. Oh my goodness, why haven’t I followed your blog? I am doing so RIGHT NOW. You have been so generous in commenting on my poems. I can’t wait to catch up on your excellence. I see it already, in “Malala.” Stunning.
LikeLike
I greatly appreciate your exuberant comments, Maggie – and I hope you enjoy some of what you find here
LikeLike
Wonderful tribute to a brave young woman. I’m re-blogging this.
LikeLike
thank you kindly
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Irina's Poetry Corner and commented:
Wonderful tribute to a brave young woman!
LikeLike
I appreciate your sharing my poem with your readers
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Samreen's Blog.
LikeLike
sharing my poem with your readers is greatly appreciated
LikeLike
its a wonderful poem about a very courageous girl, it takes a lot of guts to do what she did. your efforts are very much appreciable, sir. thank you for spending your time writing on such a sensitive, yet an inspiring issue. i’ve reblogged it too. 🙂
LikeLike
on her behalf, I thank you kindly
LikeLike
A wonderfully accurate tribute to a truly exceptional woman! She deserves your accolades more than anyone I know and all due respect and admiration from all of us. Thank you for addressing her courage and stature in the world.
LikeLike
needless to say, she impressed me deeply – the world so sorely needs her example
LikeLike
I just watched her interview on CNN and I couldn’t help but be impressed. All of those things coming from a 16-year-old girl… it was just wow. I truly admire her convictions and principles, and this poem was very apt for that feeling.
LikeLike
she bolsters my faith in the human spirit
LikeLike
Courageous young lady with a forgiving heart. What an example! Your poem is so fitting, Paul. Kind regards.
LikeLike
thank you sincerely
LikeLike
This is wonderful. Thank you for writing it! Such an impressive young girl. She gives me a little more faith in humankind. Maybe things can still change for the better…
I’m sharing on Twitter and facebook.
LikeLike
she is indeed a light in the dark night
LikeLike
Hi Paul. So nicely written an amazing and brave young lady. Thank you for liking and your comment on ‘ Warriors!’ Best Wishes, The Foureyed Poet.
LikeLike
thanks kindly, Malc
LikeLike
Beautiful tribute, Paul
LikeLike
thank you kindly, Christy
LikeLike
Very beautifully put. She is something special, isn’t she?
LikeLike
she is, indeed
LikeLike
I read somewhere that all the darkness in the universe cannot dim the light from one little candle …
LikeLike
what a wonderful thought
LikeLike
this is a glowing tribute to a dignified girl. it takes a lot of guts for anyone to live in such conditions. thanks, by the way, for liking my poem.
LikeLike
on her behalf, I thank you kindly
LikeLike
Malala would be honored by this poem, Paul. Can’t imagine being born a woman in her country and having the courage to almost die for her independent desires. Have a wonderful day.
LikeLike
thank you most sincerely
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Poesy plus Polemics.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on OUR POETRY CORNER.
LikeLike
thank you for sharing my poem with your readers
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Sisters Speaking Serenity.
LikeLike
An inspiring poem in respect of an inspiring and very brave young lady.
LikeLike
on her behalf, I thank you
LikeLike
she’s a warrior to be proud of… have you read her book?? she’s just amazing!
LikeLike
I’ve not read the book – I have great admiration for her
LikeLike
Fabulous work Paul, I love it. She is an inspiration to many 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
on her behalf I thank you kindly
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Paul.
LikeLiked by 1 person