By Kavya Tandon
Like a citizen without rights,
Hiding through shifty nights, juggling odd jobs.
Like an immigrant you're conditioned to feel sorry for,
With forced condolences and painted sobs.
Like a tomorrow you're dreading to see;
a tomorrow you hope death robs.
I was left to the shadows.
Ever so slightly,
Without an identity.
Drowning in misogyny,
Soaking in patriarchy.
Silencing my screams,
But ensuring it's politely.
And just for once, I hoped to be mistaken for another.
Because who was I in this godforsaken world,
If not my father's daughter?