In the train compartment, with only men around…
The fear pops up.
The fear that was fed to me like food – thrice a day!
It taught me:
Be afraid of the men around.
See them as potential rapists.
Each and every man around you.
Don’t spare any!
Yes, the society taught me…
Be afraid of the one
In front of you,
In the train,
In the bus,
In the queue paying the bills,
In the restaurant, in the class,
And on the streets!
Yes! Stay safe from those around you, says the world!
But tell us how?.
Says the society:
Look down,
Be at a distance away,
Even if you can’t sit or stand properly.
Cover your chest, with shawl or sweater!
And never ever go alone!
Go in groups.
Is it enough? Are we safe?
In the train, in the bus, on the streets?
Or at least, in the minds of our parents?
No!
My brother gave me a pepper spray – and said, stay safe!
Will the pepper spray save me?
Yes – my saviour, my pepper spray!
But save me from…
Whom?
The men around?
The society?
The fear?
Or the potential rapist?
I am the child of mother earth, and I have every right to live –
To live to the fullest.
To live with dignity.
To be free from the cage of fear.
To rise up and fly!