Musings on equality by Word Hatter’s resident poets.
AN EQUAL WORLD
You worship us in haloed temples
You call us maaji, behenji and respected names
But when it comes to giving us real respect
You still believe we’re the ones to blame.
You patronize us with your gestures
Then label us as easy
Yet when it comes to staying committed
You start to act casual and breezy.
This isn’t a note against the men of the world
This is a note for you and me
That if we want to make a real change
Let’s ditch lip service, act equally.
-Savita N.
Rules
I am not the colour of my skin
Or the bright red gloss that coats my lips
Don’t tell me my smile is the prettiest curve of my body
Or say the sway of my hips makes me a lady
Don’t tell to me to sit, with my legs crossed and hands dainty
Saying no does not make me rude
Turning you down doesn’t mean I’m a prude
The lovely night does not have a dress code
Let’s not go down that road.
Like you’ve set the rules for me, I’m setting the rules for you too.
-Harsharan B.
