Silence

Silence, often held golden 

for introspection, meditation

searching for solace,  strength within ourselves 

Silence, the power, that keeps you sane

amongst chatter, sound and fury 

violent, explosive  discourses! 

It's silence, that enables you to listen

to the voices of nature- twittering of birds 

the waves of the ocean,  humming of a bee 

the pit pat of soothing rain...

as also the untold , unexpressed

aches of fellow human beings... 

Yet, the very silence can be a bane 

when there's a need to speak up 

when practised by a coward

to save own skin, for being evasive

when unable to face reality 

take the bull by its horns 

Used appropriately, Silence is golden 

if not, well who is it that said 

"A world is a dangerous place not because

of those who do evil,  but because of those 

who look on and do nothing."    

NB: I recited this poem during the Seniors Today poetry meet on 9th June 2023  

Women Empowerment

Women empowerment is about 

stronger, more confident women!

Rather than the 'what'  perhaps

the 'How' is more important! 

Will empowerment happen

from aping the other sex

being more 'aggressive', 'demanding'  or 

by rejecting, denouncing the other sex?  

Awareness, of the root of discrimination 

is perhaps the first step, knowing 

how social conditioning, economic dependence

was all planned and implemented by patriarchy

over long periods of time...  

Enabling women, empowering women-

both  economically and socially

ensuring their autonomy and self determination 

is the key for good health, social development

of the family, the community and the country! 

Yes, empowering women is the need of the hour

for a bright, healthy, abundant tomorrow!   

NB: This poem was composed for the Asian Literary society's Asian Literary society's Annual Anthology: "ALS 2021: WOMEN"