I have seen those eyes staring at me
Stripping me piece by piece
I have felt that touch
Unwelcome,
Unsettling.
I have heard remarks
About the shape
Of my holy body
Turned filthy
By the mouths of filthy men.
I have fought
Against the norms
Against the expectations
That society forced upon me
Against this discrimination
Dehumanization
De facto roles
As what?
A woman?
No, not a woman
But an object
A play toy
A trodden doormat
Which people walk all over
Leaving their dirt behind
Never looking back.

But I chose
When I was given no choice
And I raged
Against the dying of the light
Because I am no object
No toy
No doormat

I am the descendant of Lyssa
And Kali
And born in the fire
A Phoenix.

And you will pay
I say,
You will pay,
For each of your sins
You will bow in front
Of the gods
And beg
For mercy
Mercy you never showed
Your hysterical laughs
Will turn
Into cries of misery
Neither forgiven
Nor forgotten
You will choke
With the same rope
You tied
Around the necks of
Women
Thousands
All innocent
And they will all rise together
And sing in unison
“Justice is served.”

Taranpreet Kalra

VSBS

BBA (G), 5C