Sahitya Akademi

I, A WOMANAuthor(s): Prabhjot KaurSource: Indian Literature, Vol. 23, No. 1/2, INDIAN POETRY TODAY (January-April 1980), pp.391-392Published by: Sahitya AkademiStable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/23334887 .

Accessed: 28/06/2014 18:57

Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at .http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp

.JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range ofcontent in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new formsof scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.

.

Sahitya Akademi is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Indian Literature.

http://www.jstor.org

This content downloaded from 91.220.202.80 on Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:57:43 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

fcUNJAÉI

I melted with the warmth of a soft touch.

Is it you O life?

You,

yourself? how did I become

your own destination?

I, A WOMAN

I, a woman,

you, a man.

You made me a lifeless statue and adorned it with characteristics of your choice, protected and sheltered me—

a property, a possession—to be proud of.

Strict code, and

tight-rope-walk for me! You imposed a thick strong frame on a fragile picture and then darkened all the roots and depths of my soul with fears and superstitions.

Now I ponder! How will I escape this dark, cold, cruel dungeon?

391

This content downloaded from 91.220.202.80 on Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:57:43 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions

Indian literature

If not, how shall I grind the wet grain—the moments of life—one by one? Stark it is, the pain of existence even the virtue of being a woman, has become a curse for me!

Faith has shattered, and hopes betrayed, emotions have faded away! The meaning and purpose which you gave to this picture has lost the significance of sex!

A WALL PICTURE

I'm not that picture you had fixed on the easel and painted with centuries-old colours of conventions and aberrations; and then framed in silver and gold to hang on the wall of your house or home.

Yes, now

I do not fit in with the ideal of the uneducated, ignorant and emotional damsel; neither with the outline of an obedient

392

This content downloaded from 91.220.202.80 on Sat, 28 Jun 2014 18:57:43 PMAll use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions