TW: Sexual Harassment, Abuse
Woman: The Face Of The World
Aparna Govil

During the period where everyone is confined to their homes, crime against women have not stopped. Small girl, big world, they might say to you, but show everyone how much power a little girl has. This poem is dedicated to all those women, who, despite being judged and and discriminated, have held their head high.  
I may be water, nourishing and clear,  
But remember, I quench your thirst, and if I get agitated, I can drown you whole. 
 
I may be grains of sand you are treading on, 
But remember, I am the one who supports those little castles built with utmost care and affection. 
 
I may be paper, slim and light,  
But when someone writes on me, it has the power to change the world. 
 
I might be a withering blossom in nature,  
Yet I was once sprouting, and am turning out to be much enlightened today.  
 
I may be the air you inhale today, polluted and foul,  
But I am still your source of sustenance.  
 
I may be the fire that is lit in a corner of your house to cook food,  
But when I rage, I will burn you to flames. 
 
We both are fighters, me and you, fighting against the stereotypes and outrageous mindsets of society,  
But together we will set the world on fire and laugh at those who once laughed at us.  
 
Does it really matter, who you are on the outside, whether a bald boy or a flabby woman?  
 
It’s your personality that defines you, your inner self,
Remember that you were born with the fire of queens and conquerors.  
 
Paradox women, mighty girls, you are the inspiration, the beings that terrify them.  
Getting over your insecurities and doubts may take many years, 
But you finally realized that confidence is much greater than your fears. 
 
Defined by no man, you can write your own life story, 
Face each obstruction with a smile and change history to her story.  
 
People may take you for granted, they will burn the fire within your soul. 
But you need to ignite it, with all the power and might you have and show the world what you are really made of. 
 
Open-mindedness is the new makeup, that will show the world a different perspective of you. 
Courage, the new heels, that will lift your spirit higher and make you bolder and stronger. 
Over-sized, your outfits can be, not their mindsets, and that’s what you’ve got to change. 
People see you as weak, but you are stronger than you think. 
Change people and their mindsets, then ultimately the world, because you are unstoppable, 
And you should know that.  
Speak out, raise aspirations, and know that you are the change.