106
Women
with their children, Shanti Dan, India.
Photo: Community Aid Abroad.
107
To my
lover
Did I hear you call
me woman:
Indicating that I
must serve
Spasmodic pangs of desire
Demands of unpaid work?
Did I feel you want
my body
On loan, to make a
child,
The result which
would then follow
Would be your
ownership, not mine?
Why must you speak
of justice
When injustice is your style?
Why must you alienate my body
From this very soul of mine?
I wish you'd
understand me
And see me as a
whole —
Not a disintegrated being
To only have and hold.
I am a total being:
I feel, I love and
hope . . .
If you cannot believe me,
God help me — I'll revolt.
Nargis Basu
India