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