some under
the blinking sun
some under
neon lights
some in closed rooms
some in moving buses
some within marriage
some outside marriage
...a rape is a rape
how about those warm affectionate
uncles, cousins, and g'pas too?
...a rape is a rape
wherever
in public
in private
in a gang
in solo
...a rape is a rape
girl-child
young woman
old lady
how matters
as long as
it's she
...a rape is a rape
isn't it?
but who cares?
an utter outrage
no law
no policy
can undo
but who cares?
we tolerate
wistfully hoping
our sisters
our daughters
our mothers
never the victims!
From a concerned human: I am as outraged and horrified as any sane person can be. I have a daughter, a sister, a mother and may be daughter in law and grand daughter in times to come. This is a problem on many levels and verticals. It is a crime worst than a murder. But it cannot be viewed purely as a law and order; crime and punishment issue. It is the manifestation of failure of criminal justice system, and much more than that an abject failure of cultural values and disintegration of social order and 'the family'. Our poverty, our horrible social fragmentation, virtual lack of education as a value adding system. This miserable social structure when bombarded with ultra liberal value (or lack of it) of west in tv/ movies and web world creates monsters; let lose with all the anonymity in over crowded metros to pounce on any unsuspecting victim. Its scary. Sends shivers down my spine. It has to be addressed at many levels and more so by NGOs, SHGs at village levels and a level above that. By education, value inculcation, and dont know what else, but it should be pro-active and preventive kind of exercise to begin with. This has to be supported by very speedy criminal justice system, with exemplary punishments which must act as deterrent. The police system must become citizen friendly and society friendly, and command confidence from the weakest in the society. That will encourage, reporting of the cases, and improve convictions of the criminals. Now it is exactly the opposite, no self respecting citizen thinks of reporting to police as a viable option to fight evil. This can happen, only if the privileged youth come forward take it up as a movement, with far greater intensity than the fight against corruption. This is corruption manifested in its worst and scariest form. that is it... one can go on and on... but there has to be a way to connect all these dots and make it a force to reckon with... Insha Allah...
good poem clearly depicts the degradation in the society. Please read my poem of the same theme'vampire's prey'.
very good point and great realization.. well crafted...
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Very forthright poem. There has to be social awakening to this cultural decay. Foremost rape victims should be treated with social compassion. Let them not to be made to feel scared or remain in the cold. - K.S.Subramanian