Indian Women

A single mother,
eyes, burning black coal.
Beware, mortal, of Kali’s wrath,
for she, is an Indian woman

Doe-eyed,silky mane
a smile playing on her lips
Crave, mortal, for Parvati’s love,
for she, is an Indian woman

Top bun and pencil skirt,
an air of high authority
Wish, mortal, for Laxmi’s luck,
for she, is an Indian woman

Books, pens and thick framed glasses
Wit, intelligence and a simple dimple
Ask, mortal, for Saraswati’s knowledge,
for she, is an Indian woman

Some shy, some loud,
some confident and proud,
Don’t mess with us, Oh Mortal!
for we are all Indian women.


(A response to the poem " Dear Mr. Yadav, I too am an Indian woman"  by Aditi Rao)