I Am Janani

I am Janani, the eternal feminine 

I am essential for life to begin.

I create and nurture, hold your existence within.

I am Janani, the eternal feminine.

I am Janani. I birthed paragons and kings 

And demons capable of unspeakable things.

Often, I may be extinguished at birth,

Given no chance to prove my worth.

For some, I am a possession at best,

An object of desire no other should covet.

To be used and enjoyed till expiry by date 

After which, who knows what will be my fate ..?

I have led armies to battle, I have ruled empires,

I have protected your honour by burning on pyres.

I am worshipped by day, I am brutalised at night,

I can yield in compassion, I can dig in and fight.

The creator deemed me fit to nurture and sustain, 

Could I be treated with a little less disdain? 

I don’t need to be locked in a fortified city 

Please accord me the privilege of living in dignity.

Give me the choice of what to do with my life, 

To soar unfettered or be a loving wife.