An Epoch Against Eternity

By Diya Biswas

Being born as a member of what is called the fairer sex

I grew up with a question quite complex 

I was born a woman for a woman I was meant to be

But in this man’s world; what is it that makes a woman me?

And this question has chased me throughout life

Who am I; besides being a daughter; a mother or a wife?

Am I that daughter whose birth was a setback not a celebration?

Am I that victim whose plight was the talk of the entire nation?

Am I her who the candle march was supposed to mourn?

Am I she whose body was never even her own?

Am I that housewife who is an ornament on the corner of the shelf?

Am I that girl who was blamed because some man couldn’t keep his hands to himself?

Am I a woman for I was valued less and put up for slaughter?

Am I so because I was to be born not as a son but a daughter?

Am I a woman because fearlessness to me seems like a distant dream?

Am I a woman because the society failed to hear my silent scream?

“Born equal I was; essential I am.” Is now common knowledge

But then to this society; my very existence is hard to acknowledge.

And the answer to my question I await till date

But in place of an answer; all I get is hate.

I thought too much; and I questioned too often

Until I realized my tears wouldn’t make their hearts soften.

And as for my answer; I found it in life’s highs and lows

I am a woman for my power is infinite; no bounds it knows.

I am the goddess of the hearth and the grain

I am also the wild child; fresh as the summer rain.

I am nature- indispensible; indestructible; free

I am she who knew only how to fight not flee.

I am a woman for my creation has a cause

I am a woman because I am the culmination of all of what I once was.

I was Lakshmibai- the harbinger of mother’s first victory

I am her whenever a woman stands alone to change the course of history.

I was Rosa Parks when my freedom was a sin

I am her whenever my worth is decimated to but the colour of my skin.

I was Marie Curie when my work was undermined; thrown into the dirt

I am her whenever talent is overlooked because that talent wears a skirt.

I was Anne Frank during times of dispute and discord

I am her whenever I prove that the world can change with a single word.

I was Sarojini Naidu when they threw us all into ignorance’s den

I am her whenever the world comes to doubt the power of the pen.

I was Maya Angelou when my existence was a societal compromise

I am her whenever they have tried to pull me down and Still I Rise.

I am all of them and more for the world holds no power over me

I am me for a woman is something I am proud to be.

I am a woman for I learned to smile through the pain

I am a woman for I have endured therefore I sustain.

I am a woman for I have overcome every adversity

I am a woman for I am an epoch against eternity.

By Diya Biswas