Ode to MolestationA Poem by Anuradha VermaWritten for International Women's Day, 2017.It’s a sordid affair, A hush-hush tale, About how someone pawed at her, For their own selfish, vile thrill, And how it haunts her still. Known only by a few friends, Though never the parents, Because they’ll only blame her, Or her choice or wardrobe, or, “You shouldn’t stay out so late, Beta.” A fear that follows her, Into dank alleys and crowded trains, Every shadow makes her jump, A tug at her dupatta has her freezing, A predatory stare has her calculating escape routes. Those that “defend” her, Come to arms under a banner of “Mother, Daughter, Sister”. Don’t. She might be all or none of those things, But realize that she’s a person first. I think it’s safe (ironically) to say: When an unmolested woman becomes, The exception and not the rule, It’s time to take a step back, And think about what we’re doing wrong. Until then, I’ll be here, Wrapping every violated woman, In my blanket of soothing words, And drowning every abuser, In a torrent of furious rants. © 2017 Anuradha Verma |
Stats
133 Views
Added on March 18, 2017 Last Updated on March 18, 2017 Tags: women, poetry, society, molestation AuthorAnuradha VermaMumbai, IndiaAboutAn amateur poet since 2002, professional copywriter since 2020. Welcome to my corner of the internet, hope you enjoy your stay! more..Writing
|