Girls of the Old City

These adolescent girls
who could be barely called women
are taught to invest their beauty to find men.

They are encouraged
To play certain roles--
Either an obedient daughter,
Or an obedient wife having no freedom
of their own carnal pleasure,
And later to an young mother
--emphasizing the value of procreation.

Lucknow, India 

Conversation III

You said:     The fish is remarkable.
I said:          Why?
You said:     Because it has "One Eye." 
I said:           So what?
You said:      It can navigate without looking at others...
                    And it has no fear.
I said:           So, do you look at me like that?
                    Do you navigate me with your one eye?
                   And do you see me in your one eye?
You said:     Too many questions...
                   Answers---I am yet to figure out.


Lucknow, India

Fitting In

Trying hard to fit in!
Here, she is not happy, nor sad.

It has been like this always
It has been a constant struggle--to interact
To come out of her shell
To radiate positivity and overcome loneliness.

She craves isolation
She craves solitariness.
As the truth of life is only revealed in isolation.

Here, she is not happy, nor sad.
Here, either she is too revolutionary
Or they are lagging behind.

Lucknow, India 

Belongings

She left things...
The green, yellow, and pink colored posters
Her writings on it--inspiring words
I have kept intact.

She was your GUEST for a while.

I recall our days
and the time spent together.

She prays for me
She always does.

 Lucknow, India

Love Lock

I will secure my heart
I will lock it
with LOVE.

Lucknow, India