'Once again' by Sanchita Jhunjhunwala

Once again, I was made to feel guilty to let myself free, Free to indulge in my guilty pleasures, Free, to be able to have a hookup.

Once again, I was questioned for doing what I did, Choosing my frowned upon indulgence, Choosing lust over a relationship.

Once again, I was questioned for my activities, For being a girl, For being a girl on my own terms and conditions.

Once again, I was asked to stop, Stop breaking the chain of patriarchy, Stop trying to rise above the shackles of the so-called society.

Once again, I was treated as an outcast, Because I decided what I want to do with my body, Because I and my activities were seen as shoddy.

Once again, I turned to another man, Moving on from one relationship to another, Moving away, from the cycle of one heartbreak, onto the other.