If you are a girl

Whether you were born black, mixed race or white, 

You can't breathe easily anywhere on this planet. 

You can't see the sunlight carelessly, 

You can't go out without being afraid, 

You can't go far to be safe. 

You can't walk alone 

You can't live alone 

You can't live your real life. 

You're missing out on every chance 

Of all dreams, and of time. 

You're getting older, 

Your days are getting shorter 

You don't enjoy your life on earth. 

Occasionally, 

The sun shines on its own 

And makes the darkness disappear. 

If you are strong, 

You will always find a way to shoot arrows at the light,  

To create paths to overcome the darkness 

And to be reborn from the ashes. 

— Mariam Alimi