Touching a Life

I have been writing poetry for some time now and of late, I have also been reciting my poems in various open mics in Delhi NCR. These sessions have been extremely refreshing for me where I have interacted with exceptionally talented young women and men who write soulful poems in Hindi and English. The poets are mostly much younger than me and it amazes me how this generation can display so much sensitivity and maturity through their work. I also find it quite heartening that they have the will and the grit to follow their dreams.

Personally,I have tried to address various social issues in my poems and have written quite a bit about the girl child, women and related issues. For someone who has been brought up in a small town in Bihar and who studied mostly in a boy’s school, my thoughts have been influenced a lot by the women in my life- my mother, my wife, my daughter, my friends and a few in my professional space.

However, this post is not about me. It is about someone else.

Last Sunday, I was a part of a poetry session by Speaking Souls- an active forum for poetry lovers. Just before my turn, the host- who knows me quite a bit by now- requested me to say something about daughters as it was The International Daughters Day. I wasn’t quite prepared but I read out something which I had written recently. The poem talked about a young girl being strong and independent without giving up on the basic tenets of humanity. The poem was well received by the audience.

After the show was over, one of the young poets reached out to me and thanked me for the poem. She said, she had been struggling with serious family issues and the poem gave her a lot of courage to continue living her dreams. She had a smile on her face that hid a lot of pain within. She felt that the poem was everything she always wanted to hear and it will become a pillar of strength for her if I could text the words to her.

I almost teared up and instantly sent it across.

I do not consider myself an expert poet, by far. I am still learning and have a long way to go, in attaining proficiency in my craft. However, it made me happy that my honest words touched a stranger and gave her strength and meaning. There cannot be a bigger compliment than this, ever. I said a silent prayer and thanked everyone who pushed me to start writing poems, once again.

People often end up spending a life time, trying to find a space, where they can add meaning to their existence, beyond the daily humdrum. ?I think I just found mine.

I am putting the poem here for everyone, dedicated to all teenage girls. ?It is titled ‘Don’ts and Don’ts’ . Do read it and ask yourself: Whose life did you touch today.

They always said

A girl is good

when she sticks

to rules and norms.

?

I think you had enough of dos,

go out, embrace the don’ts,

it’s time now to raise a storm.

?

You are free to choose your Gods,

faith is supposed to make you stronger,

but if they try to colour you red or green,

give it back hard to the hate monger.

?

Be respectful to your elders

and bow down to touch their feet,

but when that old uncle tries to grope you,

don’t spare him, make him bleed.

?

Ask your questions, push the boundaries,

the road to your freedom will always be steep

Wear a jeans or a skirt, or dress like a cowgirl,

Your choices are yours to keep.

?

Be kind to the needy,

gentle to the weak,

lend your shoulders to the feeble and old,

but don’t be a Cinderella or a Snow white,

It doesn’t quite work these days.

Make yourself fierce and bold.

?

Break the limits they put in your mind.

Why just fly when you can soar,

Why believe in a myth called equality,

Why settle for less you are many times more.

?

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