(A young Indian girl’s questions) — (A young Indian girl’s questions) Who is she…and… who does she intend to be?Is that the right question? Or is it more appropriate… Under the veils and strains of a mutilated culture To ask… What is she…and…what is she allowed to be? Is she a daughter, wife, sister or daadimaa* …

My ray of hope… — My ray of hope… Stems from the smiles of the women in cotton saaris, the pallu* wrapped around their shoulder then tight back around their waist. No time for flounce in the backstreets of Bombay or Agra But they smile…despite the frowns they wear across their hearts From the laughter…

(Coming out from under a narcissist) — (Coming out from under a narcissist) You were like a lighthouse Turned pirate scorn Dragging me to craggy rocky cliffs Dragging me into a battle, my armour already ripped and torn I feel betrayed and I feel lost It’s like you took me into your arms But not to hold…

(When in the grips of a narcissist) — (When in the grips of a narcissist) How can I not be enough for you And how can I be too much You’re always just within my grasp But just as I try to hold you Fully To make sure you’re still there for sure this time You make sure…

(Letters to my Father) — (Letters to my Father) I always remember your hands as warm Not clammy Just large and warm With a club thumb I inherited And a large silver watch They held a concept of comfort Despite it all… I don’t know why or how that image remained with me Knowing what…

(To a boy who liked my smile) — (To a boy who liked my smile) You look at me And I see roses in your eyes Glowing sunshine and fireflies You smile at me like I’ve warmed your heart Knowing little how you’ve touched my soul You terrify me a little Make me smile a little Make me…

Thoughts from a cafe in Cape Town — The benefits of privilege, Is that you don’t know you have it, Is that you cannot see the red carpet you walk on, Or the silver spoon handed to you, To spoon out the food - From another’s plate, And then look to wonder why they just can’t seem to…

(You will eventually come up for air) — (You will eventually come up for air) Strong it stood Against the tidal wave of flood water That thrashed against its spine Rushing, rising, falling, flowing Pushing against its back, shoulders and roots The single rooted twig stood strong Against the onslaught of the roadside flooding For some reason this…

(When I realised I had walked straight down her path) — (When I realised I had walked straight down her path) The idea that I was stronger than you Was born to me The day I saw you use the bible’s words And turned the other cheek The idea that I was harder than you Came to me The day I…