By Nafisa Khushnasib Ghazanfar

I am like a luminous candle,
radiant and glowing with light.
Now I ignite a flame within you,
so you may illuminate your sanctuary.

Oh woman!
Your heart remains pure,
like a radiant mirror of light—
Why do your thoughts carry
the burden of so much hidden anger?

Break free from the weight of patience;
become a breaker of taboos!
Shatter the norms,
and tear apart the veil of confinement.

Strike back with your strength
against the hardness of the world.
I swear by your love,
you can no longer remain unseen.

Why, oh woman,
do you speak of harsh, barren lands?
Are you made of stone?
Learn wonder and awe
from the dazzling mirrors.

Take your place among the wise,
in the seat of leadership.
Release the doves of peace
from the crown of power.

Be filled with the passion of love,
and give birth to its transformative force—
For the world is withered,
its Gardens weeping from lack of love,
and a generation of ignorance.

Dare, break free from the prison
of your own fear,
so that your precious name may shine
like a jewel upon the crest of pride.