Neha Maqsood’s poem reflects on patriarchal standards facing women in the desi community. For TWSS Issue #17 ‘Masks’.
Desi patriarchy tells me to
take some goddamn
responsibility.
They exclaim,
‘honey, you’re asking for it when you
scent
your neck with ittar’
‘you’re making him horny wearing
that low-cut blouse’.
‘you’re calling for attention as you
lace your eyelids with kajal &
stud your
ears with jhumpkas’
‘you’re making ‘boys excited’ when you
let hair tendrils flow down your
back’.
Don’t you get it, they say
exasperated
it’s you.
you,
you.
you.
I tell desi patriarchy
that I dress according to
seasons,
waxing schedules,
job descriptions
I do this shit
for myself.
‘Really?
Do you even exist outside
the male gaze?’
Illustration by Anna Dowson.