Poonam Sood
1.
Myths and Facts
Since my childhood my brain has been a graffiti of images
Extracted from myths, fairytales and ancient fables
My abstract mind loved to fantasize-
Often borrowed Prince Charming’s ensemble
For prominent Indian mythological figures
And made Cinderella wear a traditional saree
To the Prince’s extravagant party
What enchanted me the most,
Was Radha’s dance to flautist Krishna’s musical chords
I wished my marital life would be as blissful
As their Rasa leela…
Where I would wear Snow White’s gown to perform ballet
On the flute placed on the lips of my spouse
As the sun goes down and the music starts to fade away
I would curl up in the hollow comfort of the soothing flute
And there I shall stay…
The myth goes – when Radha abandons her body,
Krishna breaks his flute
The fact is – Most women abandon their passion,
To sustain the harmony of their relationship.
2.
Misconceptions
Often remarked for an old-fashioned name ‘Sita’
Derived from a popular Indian epic, given by her religious family,
In hope that she would grow up to be obedient daughter,
A woman of character, maintain the sanctity of her name
And eventually marry a man of supreme honor
Little was anyone aware, this Sita was progressive and liberal,
Believed in logic, loved literature.
Had no faith in mythology, was spiritual but not devout.
She carried her name with the belief – “what’s in a name?
That which we call a rose, by any other name would smell as sweet”
She had barely finished her education,
When she thought she found love
Her family unwillingly agreed to let her marry
With the boy of her choice, the boy who promised
To be the man of her dreams,
The boy who pretended to be liberal,
Took Shakespeare lessons sharing the same book
But drew his own patriarchal interpretations
What’s in a name? That which we call a woman,
By any other name would still be a woman.’
Poonam Sood is an Indian author known for her published work in various magazines, newspapers and anthologies. She is the founder and chairperson of Gulzar Sahitya Samiti (established 1998) and an active member of various literary organizations. She has published a poetry collection in Hindi (Misfit Kavitayein) and a translation of Dr Bhuvan Mahajan’s book (Mitr Jeevache) into English (Soulmates). Department of Social Welfare (Madhya Pradesh, India) recently awarded the first prize for the National poetry competition held by Arushi (nonprofit organization supporting disabled people). Her poems and short stories are regularly broadcasted on All India Radio (Ayodhya).
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