The One Who Defines Me

 

Would you like to explore societal norms, gender expectations,
Or personal struggles against limiting beliefs?
I’ll tell you one thing, but you better listen—
I won’t let you define me, not even for a second.

The body you lusted for is a body I hated being born in.
And you laugh, saying you "hurt my ego" and "hit me below the belt."
Did I harass you?
Are you going to talk about equality and respect with me?
Have you ever respected anyone for simply existing?
No, you have not.
Because every time, it's: "What do you have to offer? Your 'fayada'?"
Or "Why should I come to you? What do you even have?"

If that is the case, then I had no fat on my chest as a kid too,
But that still did not stop a man.
Or when I was simply walking down the street,
And a man groped me between my thighs in broad daylight.

And you still think I wanted your money?
That you would be good for my image?
You, who crave money, power, and status,
So a policeman doesn’t stop your vehicle,
So you are free to do whatever you want.

You, who flex your muscles,
Brag as if you are in peak masculine form,
While I seek power so no one silences the voiceless.
While I seek wealth, not to flaunt,
But to help those who truly need it—
Once my basic needs are met.

You collect expensive watches
So the world sees you’ve made it.
I invited you so you could have a home-cooked meal.
A friend.

You, who affected my health, then mocked me,
"I won’t buy a lightsaber."
Do you even know why I was collecting toys?
So any child who came to play would always have one.

You, who tried to break my spirit,
Now say I wanted your money?
If you have the guts,
Donate the amount you think I was worth.

I would have let this go,
If you had not hurt my very core.

Unlike you, I was never trying to be Mahaan,
Or chase fame for the sake of it.
I was once a kid, but you seem to have forgotten that.
You only use "baccha tha" to escape responsibility.

And as for my behaviour?
Go ahead.
Put me in jail.
I dare you.

Now you say you are a better man because of me?
Good for you and your family.
That’s what you wanted all along—to improve.
But all I wanted then
Were flowers,
And to be loved for who I am,
Not just for what I could do for them.

To be pampered, to be cared for,
To be led, to be complimented on my eyes and smile,
To be cherished, to be heard,
And most importantly—
To feel safe, and feel like home.