I Shall Love: English poem by Ali Rasheed

I want to be in love 

But I am shackled hand and feet 

They say, “if I fell in love, 

God will send me to hell” 

They say, “I would bring shame, 

To the name of my family, sect and race.” 

They tell me to love power money and fame, 

To oppress the romantic spirituality I posses 

My love is my truth and if shame comes along   

I don’t fear being called a shameful lover

My oppression would turn into revolt 

And I shall love and shall hold to it 

They would declare me an outcast and my love illegitimate

But I shall love.. Love…and…Love.