You Inspire Me Like No Other

Poem dedicated to one of my role models – the amazing author, poet, translator, academic, fierce intersectional feminist and revolutionary anti-caste activist Meena Kandasamy. Here is the content:

You inspire me like no other

A brilliant poet and author

A raging intersectional feminist

And a compassionate anti-caste activist

Thou art the Princess of the Indian literary world

A person none can avoid!

You inspire me like no other

Because you fight like a tiger

And yet, art thou gentle as a dove

The writer we all love

It is your indomitable spirit

Which motivates me to do my best

Even when I am at my nadir

For your community, do you deeply care

Impeccable, is your character

Not to mention, are you also a loving mother!!

You inspire me like no other

Because you write with the fury of a saw-scaled viper

And ask extremely uncomfortable questions

Which our society is not prepared to answer

You pour out your emotions

And bare your soul

Thou art the anchor

Of the ship of Indian social justice

Often, are you targeted with sheer malice

However, never do you back down

Without fail, do you always stand up for what’s right

Even if you happen to be alone

You are the candle light

Which shines brightly in these dark and difficult times

Never does your bell fail to chime!!

You inspire me like no other

Because, in you burns a fire

Which obliterates everything in its path

Except your unquenchable thirst for justice

I love the way you rewrite our myths

Your poems are full of spice

Not to mention, revolutionary in nature

Thanks to you, are we aware

Of the extremely harsh ground realities of our society

I totally love your brutal honesty!!

You inspire me like no other

Of so many things, are you acutely aware

If I were to change for anyone

It would be you, and you alone

Because, truly do you inspire me like no other

You fiery, courageous, incredible and absolutely beautiful human being!!

May Jesus bless you and your family for evermore!!