When a rape happens

a poem by Ramanujam Meganathan

When a rape happens or
When a rape is performed
Every one wakes up, gets outraged, infuriated
Finds moving phrases that affront the rapist
Leading to agitations at the India Gate and Jantar Mantar.
Everyone has a say,
Exasperations, vexations of all sorts.
President expresses his shock and displeasure.
Some popular neta says, “Boys are boys.”
Some sacrosanct puritan calls for stringent laws for women.
Dress code for women.
It is their dress which exposed their flesh
Causing the rape.
It is the raped who should take the blame.
The rapist will script stringent and austere regulations.
Hues and Cries and Cries and Hues.
We have to do something.
Meanwhile another rape.
Rape and murder follow strictly.
Blame the Chief Minister, Prime Minister
As another minister from another state rapes a teenager.
Whole country debates and discourses about law.
Commission is appointed, nationwide debates.
There seems to be change is coming.
Anti-rape law enacted.
Rapist multiplied.
It is now reported, women are courageous now.
The fucking law is working.
Law is curing the disease, not preventing it.
Why this fucking rascals indulge in rape
In this great country of traditions and God fearing rich cultured people.