The Struggle

Problems are not my issue, fear it is.

There has to be a start, the beginning to an end, -

End to the might of fright,

 Like a creeper I rose tall and wide, but not without support.

Rose to the heights, smiling at the sunshine, -

Pretty but frail,

I lost focus and there was someone to magnify my aim,

I fell and had hands to lift me and buck me up,

Friends, philosophers, guides, have helped me rise and shine.

But rising is no more my aim; standing firm is.

I refuse to take assistance,

A helping hand will do more harm than good.

Friends, philosophers and guides is not what I need,

Predicaments are not simple any more, to explain,

What is the need to explain?

Let me fall, let me cry, but let me reach out to myself.

In the darkest corners of mind does one find illumination.

I want to touch the light, that, that shines within me.

What if the world thinks I am able, let me realize I have it in me.

For, its just I who knows what I am.

The fear of drowning has taught me to swim,

Let me touch the danger; let me know what it is to stand up on my own.

Let me be `FREE`

First Speech in GLIM:-

Dear friends, I stand here not as a social activist or an advocate for Women’s rights. What I am going to say today is in my own selfish interest.

                I start with equality, between men and women. Oh yes, I agree I am equal. I am economically and emotionally independent. for she has marched forward. For she has emerged as a force to be reckoned with. But is she free?

                It so happened the other day I had to go to a hospital for getting a vaccination done. The class got over late and due to unforeseen circumstances I got delayed and it was post 7. I was suggested to not go. Why? Because it was too late for two girls to go alone as this area is not safe. I realized, I am not independent – I am dependent.

                I would not chose to board a flight that lands at 3 am. Its too late in the night to go hunting for a hotel. Its not safe. But my guy friend, who is as old as me, as smart as I am would not think twice. Why the difference now? Where is the equality now?

                Do you feel scared standing alone in a deserted area? No. But I do. I am not equal. I don’t like the constant feeling of fear inside me. I don’t want to be protected. I want to be free.

                10% of u guys come here and talk about booze and smoke. And its cool. But if I booze, if I smoke, I am labeled. Dude, remember - its as harmful for u.

                Why does a women have to think twice before wearing what she likes to? Even after a most traumatic rape case she is held 50% responsible. Why? She was wearing a mini skirt, it was inviting. Will she ever want what just happened to her? U must be out of ur mind to even think so, but we have had debates over this. Debates over the responsibility of a girl for her own rape. Equality – u see.

                Il end my speech with the same question – Am I free? Give me the respect, freedom and equality will come following suit.

Brave Heart

Life had been harsh before,

But now, he could not give another test anymore.

I saw him fight day after day,

A tough torso, iron spirit – made up: fake, I say.

A gush of emotions,

Tears full of questions.

But no, he would never cry,

How could he question?

Acceptance – he believed, conquers the pain and repairs the damage.

Amazed me - So much so at such a young age?

Powerless as I sat,

That day, when he came and slept in my lap.

I know it’s the worst of all fears,

To give up, give in, hold firm and bear.

I Respect, I salute to the spirit of that man,

For all he always says he can.

There was so much more in that Brave Heart,

It withheld, bore and prepared for a fresh start