Bruised But Not Broken

Bruised But Not Broken

In addition to the patriarchal violence, the caste-ridden feudal society oppresses Dalit, Bahujan, Adivasi, Muslim women with dire caste discrimination and sexual exploitation…..

The criss-crossed entangled forest seems
To have gathered its hair neatly into a knot.
Swallowed by a corporate whale
That spits them out in the centre of Shilparamam*
Small huts in deep sleep amidst green trees
Appear doll houses with lime patterns
Alluring…..

I remember
The malapalli burning
Its thatched roofs aflame,
And then ashes
All for want of a pot of water…..

Rising with the morning star
Sweeping darkness away with a broom
That girl draws patterns of brightness…
As she washes dishes
the sun rises from her beads of sweat.
Amidst the chirping of birds.