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Like mother, like daughter?

This is a choral recital to be sung by one male voice and a chorus of female voices.

First female voice Male voice Chorus Female voices

1. On my birth there was no singing But sadness filled the air; No people came to visit To bless, or give child-care. "Kill her, kill her, kill her," Was what my father said: A world-wide declaration Because I was a girl. You are a girl, a misery; You'll eat me out, you're drudgery! My mother wept in silence As only mothers do; Pitying my misfortune That she had suffered too. 2. I grew up like my brothers, With body, mind and soul, Yet my head was never schooled. My body — my body was fully used. I worked at home and outside And weary dared not feel. I offered food and comfort When the men returned from field.

Male voice Chorus Female voices

House and house work is your good fortune. Keep your place, before I'm too violent! My mother shared my discomfort As only mothers do; Pitying my misfortune . For she was suffering too.

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	3. My youth was my disaster And not the prime of life — For lo! I had to marry And slave as someone's wife. My spirit wants an answer for my unequal place, The indignities you offer After companionable embrace?
Male voice Chorus Female voices	Man is God, God is Man. You are a woman, woman, woman! My mother knew my anguish As only mothers do; Pitying my misfortune For she had lived it too. 4. And now I am a widow, Insignificant, weak and old. I wonder on my death-day Will tears or relief hold sway? It was a sad beginning, It appears a lonely ending. And my only solace, the Holy Book, Makes me fully sinful look.
Male voices Chorus Female voices Second female voice	In the name of your father, your husband and your son, Be obedient, be respectful, be grateful, hold your peace! My daughter feels my sorrow As only daughters do; Angry at my misfortunes And she wants to break it through. 5. I will break these many bondages I'll release myself from shame; I will learn, I will teach all womankind Freedom from disdain. God created woman and man In God's very own image By the power of God, the woman is blessed In my birth, life and death, / am blessed.

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Male voices Chorus Female voices

Truly you are a woman Honoured by God, by us; Partner in our striving Towards all human rights. All women join together In solidarity against oppression, And together help our fellow-men Develop this earth and humans.

Nargis Basu
India