Ladder of My Life

Looking through the prism of life

Going down memory lane

I come across myself

A toothless cute crawling toddler

Dawdling with gay abandon

In my courtyard or neighbour's garden

Toddlers in those days 

Were not ripped apart

By some perverted brutes

Tumultuous teens see me step up

Rebellion against conservatism

I wish to break free from taboos

Familial and social restrictions

My soul craves to live life

On my own terms

Patriarchy and male dominance

Crush many a dreams 

My sole silent supporter

My angelic mother supreme

Teenagers in those days

Trampled their passions

At the altar of adults' direction

Adulthood sees me gain maturity

I summon courage to stand up to authority

My wings begin to take flight

My dreams begin to materialize

My life begins to metamorphose 

When I step into the new house

My gracious parents-in-law 

Bring in real meaning of feminism

My life free from bondages

I taste true liberation

Women in those days

Were pressing for amelioration

At the seniors club threshold

I find myself a contented soul

Engaged in literary pursuits

My pen my sprightly support stick

My profession and passion in sync

Living my life to the brim 

A blessed family a happy me

I count my blessings ignore my sores 

I bend before Almighty for my blessed shores