By Nityaa Guupta
What brews in a man’s mind
When his fists find her skin?
The skin born to nurture,
To cradle life in her bones,
The skin meant to create the very man.
Does he feel powerful?
Or just momentarily in control?
Maybe he is irked by his own ruin.
Definitely feeling rewarded after—
For guilt is a luxury he never knew.
“The seven-year-old who watched his mother cry,
Becomes the man who makes his woman bleed.”
Perhaps he wants to make his father proud?
His wife, a canvas of fear and bruises?
His children, trembling in his presence?
And his ego, a feast?
Do the violets blooming on her tender skin
Not bother him?
On the woman who conceals his cowardice—
With scarves, with makeup, with sealed lips,
And eyes that forgot how to look up.
Or maybe,
It is he who is scared and scarred—
A man who failed the world’s test of worth,
Drowning in silence, screaming through her skin.
Born of a woman,
Who kissed his flaws, cushioned his ego
With her calloused palms and sapping pride.
“This poem really touched me. The emotions and truth you captured are powerful.”
“Your writing made me think deeply. Thank you for expressing this so beautifully.”
“The way you wrote this is raw and moving — it really stayed with me.”
“It’s feel like I am experiencing ur pain”
Beautiful poem ! Proud of you 🤍
Nitya your poem compels readers to reflect on the intricate dynamics of relationships and the power of empathy. A powerful and evocative read that lingers long after the words fade. Very thought provoking 👌✨👏
Beautiful poetry nithyaa. Every time your hand is ready to hit someone, what is your mind brewing? Everytime your word is ready to hurt someone, what is your mind brewing? Your lines made me think.
Nitya, your verses are a mirror, not only to (a section of) the masculine gender who think they can physically subjugate the so-called ‘weaker sex’, but a mirror, also,to any of us who think we can overpower anyone who is less fortunate than us!
A call to ‘break the cycle’!!
This piece rips away the veil on a reality far too many live in silence. I felt the weight of generational cycles here — how a boy’s unhealed wounds can fester into a man’s cruelty. The contrast between the nurturing origin of life and the destruction of that same source is heartbreaking. This isn’t just a poem; it’s a mirror, a challenge, and a call to break the pattern before another child learns to normalize pain. Thank you for writing what many can’t put into words.”
Bravo Girl !! It requires extraordinary courage to write about such a painful subject. At such a young age you have give a voice to those who may not be able to speak for themselves..KUDOS DEAR NITYAA ..
“Violets blooming on her tender skin”..uff…
Nityaa Guupta’s poem “What brews in a man’s mind?” is a poignant look at the psychological roots and emotional toll of domestic abuse. From a psychologist’s perspective, it reveals how trauma, especially childhood exposure to violence, can fuel harmful cycles, while also capturing the silent suffering of victims. By confronting toxic masculinity and emotional suppression, the poem becomes both a raw portrait of pain and a call for empathy, reflection, and healing.
“Your words carry so much truth and pain-it brings brave truth to light with raw beauty and strength. Its brave and beautiful how you’ve captured something so difficult to talk about. Thank you for sharing this. You are The greatest Nityaa.
Your words carry so much truth and pain-it brings brave truth to light with raw beauty and strength. Its brave and beautiful how you’ve captured something so different to talk about. Thank you for sharing this.You are The greatest Nityaa.
These words would make every man look inwards and realise the responsibility he carries towards women.
A real man’s hands were made to build , to protect , to provide – not to scar the very skin that gave him life . Violence against her is proof of his failure and the unworthiness of him being called a MAN.
This poem is a picture of hidden feelings of a cruel, horrifying and crook human. Who prefers his ego and it is unknowingly or knowingly self-destructive.
What a poem, very deep!!!
Well done, Nithya. Your poem is a stark reality of the cruelty and domestic violence meted out to women. A poignant reminder of the pain, anger and sadness of the victim – the woman. Waiting for more.
Stunned, it’s brutal and beautiful. Left me feeling restless and thoughtful. Your writing is truly brilliant!
Commendable!! Nitya has some magic with words. Her poems are so powerful and leaves you thinking. Have read her book, ‘People I have been’ and that was very inspiring too.
Best wishes.
This is raw, powerful, and unflinchingly honest. You’ve captured not just the brutality of the act, but the cycles of pain and the quiet endurance behind it. The imagery cuts deep, and the closing lines leave an ache that lingers long after reading!