Being a woman

Do you repent?

Yes I do

Why?

Because I am a woman.

You repent for being a woman?

I repent for being born a woman

In a society

Where love and trust

Are obsolete words.

Where desires find ventilation

In form of rape

Where trust is rewarded with betrayal

Where love accompanies honour-killing

Where there is no haven for children and minors

Dowry deaths and female infanticide are like the morning cup of tea.

So shouldn’t I repent?

Yes you should

Prompt came the reply

But you should curse your society

Not your birth.

Tears rolled down my cheeks

But my heart was throbbing

A cold chill ran down my spine

My voice was getting chocked

Fear was gripping me in its arms

God! I have dared to protest

Voice my opinion against injustice

What will happen next???

Messy me

I was never perfect for I never wanted to be one
Messed and whimsical
Like the tangles of my hair
I followed the rhythm of life
Winning the trophy or the first place
Never lured me
Imperfection always beckoned me
For this is what I called life.

Critics looked at me with scornful eyes
The sneers and  jibes
Never deterred me to follow my natural course
I could not become a doctor or an engineer
But my profession became a mother of all.

Yes I am teacher
Who can kindle light and hope
And the imperfect paths of my life
Stopped me from walking on the tight rope