Cold SnapDragon

On facing abuse This post is personal in nature, it focuses on domestic violence although it is not limited to domestic violence, and it describes what I've learnt of violence (mainly in relation to myself with reference to my class). It is by no means intended to speak for every woman, neither am I anywhere near certain that I've got it right. I've used the term 'abusive situation' as opposed to 'abusive relationship' simply because public discourse (in India) relating to domestic violence is largely limited to domestic violence perpetrated against wives by husbands and in-laws, almost completely ignoring other forms of domestic violence (including that perpetrated by natal families). I've also written of episodes of domestic violence earlier ( here )  in a post which isn't an accurate depiction of events. I I woke up from dream feeling happier than I had for a long time. I’d dreamt of a rape. Not mine. A rapist who was caught — I shot a gun at the...

Loosely Translated From A French Poem By Pierre Ronsard (1524-1585) When you grow old at evening, you'll spin beside the fire, In candlelight you'll marvel at memories of days gone by, Singing my songs, you'll say, 'He loved me dear when I was young,' and sigh, But soon enough, labouring at the wheel, you'll tire. Those servants with you at the time will hear of my demise, But they'll know naught about our past and care not for my fame, Lavishing immortal praise on you, they'll fervently bless your name, And for my sake alone, they will not make you rise. Sitting by the fire, you'll be but an old woman with no zest, While I, ghost without bone, below the Earth shall be lain, You'll regret the loss of my love and your proud disdain, Alas! By then, beneath the myrtle's shade I will be at rest. So live as though you believe in me, Without waiting for tomorrow, Gather the roses of life from today, Before there's cause to sorrow. Ronsard'...