Ray of Hope

I got ready and looked at myself in the mirror.

Not to check if I’m all dressed-up,

But to make sure I am dressed down.

I double checked that I wouldn’t stand out, but rather... blend in.

I made sure to look like a mess and not my best.

Cause’ I couldn’t risk myself of being the next...

Next in line for rape or abuse,

Or anything else you would like to do.

My life is not even mine I’m made to feel,

I'm stripped of my dignity, my pride, even after I plead.

Hell, I don’t even belong to myself,

You can brutalize me as you please.

I’ve heard, ‘Actions speak louder than Words’.

But it's your actions and my muffled words.

Every woman out there could be a victim tomorrow.

And we're afraid of the nights, even our own shadow.

We give life, but you take ours.

Confusing the same with having POWER.

We aren’t like you, generalising your entire race,

We acknowledge the few who ‘stood up’ to save our grace.

So, thank you to all the men who still are - Men!

And here’s to all the ‘still standing strong’ - WOMEN!

-SuVi