I would rather be a clown
clad in a tattered gown
Than be a neat clone
of every pretty one

I would rather cry and cry
and let the whole being sigh
Than pretend to forget 
that we never really met

I would rather so much miss
that never happening kiss
Than bare my body all
for a man of promises tall

I would rather have a kid
tell me I am stupid
Than let a man intelligent
hold me on ransom and Vent

I would rather be a woman
not so pretty for her man
Than be the muse of all
and love none at all

I would rather be alone
A star that never shone
Than faithfully abide
by their uncaring side

I would rather be a child
Free reckless and wild
Than be a scheming adult
in an impious occult

I would rather have beauty raw
and crave it for its flaws
Than comb it in fake
braids for their sake

I would rather love, bleed or thirst
and call it a blessing or curse
Than someone have me believe
that it wasn’t meant to be

© Mukti Masih 2018

[Note: This poem is originally written by Mukti Masih and she owns the copyright for the same]

[Photography by Abhishek Masih]