Poetry: Womxn Cannot Attain Nirvaan

Womxn cannot attain nirvaan
They say
As they shove us into kitchens
Tie us to bed posts
Penetrate us with or without our wills
Then slap chastity belts
Of rules, religions and morals
Women cannot attain nirvaan
It is said
As they snatch away our books
Thrust kids on to our hips
Put us on pedestals
Worship us as goddesses
So that we may fear
Our passions and desires
Our flaws and imperfections
And strive for validation
That never comes
Not from them
Nor from within
Women cannot attain nirvaan
It is well known
We are born imperfect
Never the right weight
Or skin colour
We don't speak up
Or speak too much
Too emotional
Or too bitchy
We just ain't right
Every pleasure taken away
Sex, food, movement
Left with self denial
Our needs ignored
By family and society
Who cares if we're gay
Who cares if we're not women
As long as we appear cis
And do as expected of us
Womxn cannot attain nirvaan
They insist
As they stomp on our necks and ribs
Why then do they put us in chains?!
They may erase Mary Magdalene
And cut off Durga's arms and Kali's tongue
They may cage the lion that Shakti rides on
BUT
Womxn, sisters, sibsters
As we sit meditating
We become Bodhisattvas in training
Buddhas in the making
Shattering the ultimate glass ceiling
We will attain nirvaan
- Ekta Hattangady