the pedestal cracks

~ Sonya Kassam

I have not written about the place of a woman in society before. Simply because I never knew what to say. Then I came across an article which had some stunning photos, and I found the words….these words…

woman created as
a symbol of fertility
an inspiration for architecture
a cradle for divinity
a source of poetry
and a mother’s blessing
at her feet lies
your paradise *
a sister’s tenderness
with a fragile thread
a bond declared **
a daughter’s adoration
a lover’s seduction
and a wife’s devotion
from pheras to the pyre ***
… and beyond

but she is turned into
a goddess or
an unwanted burden
to hurriedly marry off
a pariah blamed for
the death of her consort
an untouchable
a caste of her own

and the pedestal cracks…

Here are some of the photos, more to be found in the article
Photographer Shoots Her Friend As Goddess Durga To Highlight The Curse Of Gender Bias In India

durga7

durga

durga2

durga3

* Islamic tradition is Prophet Muhammad said that paradise lies at your mother’s feet.
** Hindu tradition where a sister ties a rakhi on the wrist of her brother for protection and blessings.
*** Pheras are the vows in a Hindu marriage recited whilst going round the sacred fire.

19 thoughts on “the pedestal cracks”

  1. Pingback: Celebrate! – SONYA KASSAM

  2. Dear Sonya,

    Stunning pictures by Hasmeet.

    I loved reading your poem which is a story crafted in a few words beautifully!

    Thanks for sharing with us.

    Love and light <3

    Anand :)

    Like

    Reply

  8. Dear Sonya,

    Thank you so very much for this poem.

    The photos are stunning.

    More stunning is your craftsmanship in letting through these words as this poem.

    All prophets, saints, wise men, wise women, all awliya, came through women, mothers.

    I’ve never understood the misogyny that degrades and de-elevates, women. All life comes from woman.

    All good wishes,

    robert

    Like

    Reply

I would love to have your thoughts