NOT ALL, THEN WHO EXACTLY?
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Anushka Mitra (India)
Yes, “not all men”, probably,
How would I know?
I’ve grown up under one
Who’d sacrifice me
To win others’ favours.
There were men as “protectors”
I was touched by them.
Alas! Too little to understand,
The old age hit me like a truck,
Confused, pained, ashamed.
Priority to brotherhood?
Why else no protest for the sister
When male gaze clawed her?
I was told not to pay heed for
“They are insane”. Protectors, yes,
Brothers protect Brothers. Clever.
My home? Nah, a Concentration Camp.
Constant inhaling of the asphyxiant
Misogyny. A part of me has died.
“Not all men”, probably yes.
How can I put trust on the stranger when
I’ve been violated in my own cocoon.
****