Nagina Kauser

5/5
And when I speak again,
It will not be to justify
My Truth,
My Worth,
My Existence
But to claim it.
(I’A)

4/5
I withdraw my voice
from places that demanded my labour
but, denied me my value and respect.

In quiet,
I rebuild clarity.
In stillness,
I return wiser.

This silence is not fear.
It is discernment.
It is refusal.

3/5
I step back,
not in surrender,
but, with full intent…

Silence becomes my space—
to protect me,
to strengthen me.

In doing so,
I oppose the very unfairness
that tried to weaken me.

2/5
You know that silence—
the kind forced on people,
when systems refuse to listen,
when bias decides
who is worthy of being heard.

But know this:
this, is not the reason for my silence.

I went silent because, I chose to.

1/5
Chosen Silence

I will not speak the truth
because,
you made me silent.

I will not speak of unfairness
because,
you crushed my voice.

I will not speak of discrimination
because,
silently, I disappeared.