THE THIRD SEX

There was a time when you danced 
Beating your barren breasts
At birth of babies ,
And during fests
Arousing sympathy of streets
In your pathetic retreats;
Performed many a perverse act
In trains and public places
To collect petty, little bits.
There was a time
When being a Shikhandi
Was a huge guilt
And for pity
Your body was built.

But times have changed
Banishing fear of such ‘abnormal’;
Giving you the right to equality
Showing you the way to dignity.
Now it’s your turn to redeem
Smiles on your pretty faces ,
Teach drivers
To fasten seat belts;
Claim back your lost body and spirit
And win back lost spaces;
As our society
For a better tomorrow braces.