An Ode to “She”
written by: Sunita Sahoo
Ever wonder who is She?
She’s the one
Who carried you in her womb
For nine long months
Struggling
Defying all odds,
Bearing the excruciating pain
Of labor
Yet
You consider her impure,
“Sshh! It’s a taboo”
That’s what you hear
And restrict her freedom
For she bleeds
Some days every month!
She’s worshiped in temples
As “Goddess of Wealth” and “Goddess of Knowledge”
And whatnot!
Adorned with flowers,
Looked upon with a sense of awe!
Yet,
Devoured in deserted lanes,
Isolated alleys,
And Broadways
Left with nothing
But blood stains
And an abominable stench
Of sinful humanity.
She cries all night to sleep
Tormented by eternal grumblings,
Internal conflicts,
Hidden melancholies
And
Wakes up the next day
With puffy eyes
And a sanguine heart
Recharged and replenished
Ready for a fresh start!
Yet
You consider her frail and fragile,
Passive and docile,
An “object” of pleasure
Such despicable human nature!
She’s been tortured,
Bruised,
Despised,
Slandered,
Shattered to million pieces
But every time,
She collects the pieces together
And rises like a Phoenix
Stronger and braver than before!
Yet
You question her identity,
Her strength,
Her existence,
Her chastity,
Her dignity
And everything that defines her!
She is a MOTHER,
A DAUGHTER,
A WIFE,
A GIRL,
A WOMAN!
She is fierce,
She is bold,
One day
She will change the outlook
Of this patriarchal world!
Like broken crayons
That still color
She’ll repaint her life
With variegated hues
And renewed spirit of valor!
- An Ode to “She” - June 3, 2021
- Fireflies - January 21, 2020
