I am that three lettered word
While taking which people feel absurd
I am closest to a girl
Just below her tops and curls
I come in sizes 28, 32 and 36
Some find number 36 the ideal fit
Others may face body shaming for number 28
But I never find myself in numbers so simple and vague
I am a piece of cloth designed to fit well
In bodies of shrunk and swelled
Oh yes! I write my resume today
And yes my straps find a way
Of expression
And self exploration
They sometimes cry
But when I ask the reason of their wry
They tell me
To observe and see
The times when they are considered shameful
And for them that is definitely hurtful!
Despite all, I always thought I will make my girl feel whole,
But never ever knew, that, not wearing me, would make her a whore!
I was made to stand beside her,
But over the years I became a social construct!
I was beauty in myself but somehow got morphed into an insult,
A joke and a bewitching word!
I gave her sores,
And became a dark road!
So today I confess I was made to give support,
But I only brought remorse!!
-Shambhavi Singh, currently pursuing BA Honours History at Miranda House, University of Delhi.