Roya Heshmati, a 33-year-old Iranian woman, was sentenced to lashes for the simple act of walking unveiled. This poem, “Because She Walked In Beauty,” responds to this injustice, echoing the spirit of resistance and the fight for freedom.
Cheryl Corey’s powerful poem encapsulates the bravery of women like Roya, who face oppression for daring to express their autonomy. The poem opens with a stark declaration: “They sentenced her to over seventy lashes, Because she walked in beauty, hair revealed.” This immediately establishes the central conflict—a woman punished for her natural beauty, deemed unacceptable by a repressive regime. The phrase “walked in beauty” resonates with Byron’s famous poem, ironically highlighting the contrast between a celebration of female beauty and its condemnation in this specific context.
The second stanza depicts the brutality of the punishment. “Then led away and shackled to a bed, They beat her backside ‘til it bubbled red.” The visceral imagery paints a horrific picture of state-sanctioned violence against women. Yet, even in the face of such cruelty, Roya’s spirit remains unbroken. “With every stripe, her lips would softly chant A song: “Rise, for Woman, for Life, for Freedom”.” This act of defiance transforms the punishment into a testament to her strength and unwavering commitment to freedom.
Corey’s poem further emphasizes the absurdity of the charges. The line, “That harkens back to some medieval kingdom,” criticizes the archaic and oppressive laws that continue to govern women’s lives in some parts of the world. It underscores the disconnect between such practices and the ideals of a modern society.
The poem’s concluding couplet poses poignant questions to the international community: “But when will modern Man reject this violence, And when will Western voices break their silence?” These lines serve as a call to action, urging readers to speak out against injustice and support those fighting for fundamental human rights. The poem transcends a mere recounting of Roya’s story; it becomes a powerful statement about the ongoing struggle for women’s liberation.
“Because She Walked In Beauty” is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of poetry to amplify voices of resistance. It serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight for freedom and equality, and a call for solidarity with those who face oppression. The poem’s emotional resonance and powerful imagery leave a lasting impact, prompting readers to reflect on their own roles in advocating for a more just world. It is a powerful reminder that silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and that poetry can be a powerful tool for change.
The concluding lines, “But when will modern Man reject this violence, And when will Western voices break their silence?”, are a direct challenge to the reader, urging them to move beyond passive observation and actively engage with the issue. This call to action reinforces the poem’s message of solidarity and the urgent need for global advocacy for women’s rights.