DAGGERS DRAWN

by Anuradha Bhattacharyya

Two men, sword in hand,
A woman in between.
That’s what I grew up reading of.
Two men, roses in hand,
A woman choosing one.
That’s what our new age taught me.
But I as a grown up
Among grown up men
Find women, sword in hand,
Fighting men; an endless duel
Where none can choose to retire
With defeat
Written in one’s share.
I partake in a squabble
For power everyday
Before mealtime
Or after dinner,
In the office or a party
When decisions have to be taken.
A man’s best advisor,
A woman has to struggle
To be heard first
And then to be informed.
He says nothing,
Acts upon his will
Without consultation,
Not taking the woman as
A thinking feeling body,
Who could be asked if she’d like
What he did.