an oddity, an aberration
an icon, an inspiration
like the fabled camel through the eye of the needle
i am a miracle

through centuries of strife
i’m awake
through stories of me and mine
i’m awake
beyond chains and wings
i’m awake
in the ***** of the day
i’m awake
in the freedom of the night
i’m awake
unbowed, untied
i’m awake
in war and in peace
i’m awake

can you really look me in the eye
and tell me I’m not?
can you do me an injustice
and not feel terrified?
can you shove me aside
and feel complete?
can you bury my story
and live undead?
can you take what is mine
and stay forgiven?

i am compassion, i am pride
i am I

i am the earth and the sky
i am the source of life

i am gold that is purified
i am the carbon that has crystallized

i am every woman
i am I.

- Vijayalakshmi Harish
         24.12.2012
Copyright © Vijayalakshmi Harish