Out in the open.

Can I worship my body,

Its curves and its lines-

Can I not look at the statue,

Upon which the tender Radha reclines.

Can I have some flowers for my own self-

Can I make an offering to my hands, my waist, my feet and my breasts?

Can I just use the lamp from the altar-

To look at my own body,

Where the society's honor rests?

Can I please be relieved of the veil and the vermilion-

Can I please cut my hair and shatter the bangles?

Can I please unbolt the door-

To get rid of the golden shackles?
I am not going to fold my hands

Nor shall I bow my head-

I am going to wander naked today-

Into the battlefield.