My Dear Daughter

My dear daughter

I apologize

For I will fail you

As you grow up into a woman

Perhaps I will fail you before

This world we live in

Does not deserve you

I can't let you wear jeans

I can't let you wear saris

I will never breathe easy when you are out

And it's dark

I will fail you

I cannot give you freedom

For it is denied to you

By the opposite gender 

Who see you as a consumable product 

Not a human being 

I will fail you

By bringing you into this world 

By teaching you to live a good life 

One without shackles or stigma

I will dread the day you learn to read 

And get an education

For then you will realize why I have failed you

It's because of men

Men who treat others like objects of lust

Men who believe themselves to be crusaders 

Men who judge women for wearing skirts or tops

Never mind your age 

Your gender is a signed death sentence 

How can I let you come into this world

When this world clearly isn't made for you?

Or for the thousands and millions of daughters out there 

Scared to go out of their homes?

When the news channels show each day

That someone has had their honor looted 

Then been murdered or tortured 

When the judicial system turns savages into celebrities

Tell me, what face will I show before you?

It is better, dear daughter that you not exist

For this world is not meant for you

You deserve so much more 

Written in memory of Priyanka Reddy