I Don'T Know What Rape Is
I don't know what rape is,
Is it my uncle pinching my buttocks, Asking me to bring a glass of water
Or is it my father who told me to swallow my pride
Lest, it will break my family..
I don't know what rape is,
Is it my brother taking me to a deserted room,
Defiling my lips...
Or my mother who asked me to forget this 'mishap'
because all it will do is bring pain
I don't know what rape is,
Is it a stranger on the public bus, constantly brushing against my pubic regions,
Or is it my boyfriend who doesn't understand what consent is.
I don't know what rape is,
Is it, my servant who forced his genitals down my throat
Or my neighbour who undresses me with his eyes,
Everytime we meet in the corridor.
I don't know what rape is,
Is it that high-end boutique salesman who takes advantage
Whenever he gets a chance.
Or is it my best friend who asks me not to protest,
Not to create a scene.
I don't know what rape is,
Is it my boss' greedy eyes which travels all the way down.
Or the HR department who promised me a safe environment,
In return of a threesome with her husband.
I don't know what rape is,
Was it Duryodhan undressing Draupadi in front of the court...
Or the Pandavas, betting on their wife's dignity.
Copyright © Khushi Swami | Year Posted 2021
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