Woman On The Road To Lhasa Poem by Deepa Agarwal
Woman On The Road To Lhasa
Beneath the mask
my face melts
like a jaggery cake in the sun
Mercifully,
I can see
even
as I preserve the pink of my skin.
But what’s the use?
my sisters remain strangers
behind yak skin cheeks
that cannot exchange smiles
to lighten
the tyranny
of the road to Lhasa. All
blinding earth and searing sky
bleached bone and rubble
hung over a chafing saddle
feeding fleas.
Only
when night’s black tent
enfolds the enemy, sun,
can I breathe. Let
chilly air soothe broiling skin
let laughter flow free…
as I shed the mask.
Hard it is for a woman
far from home. And
endless the road to Lhasa
beneath a mask.
I have read a fantastic poem - a rarity these days. Kudos!
Taking the road to Lhasa is i feel a metaphor only - the poet beautifully describes how life is tough for a woman, she has to mask herself and get through the day's challenges & yet she goes to be with laughter perhaps strengthening herself to go through the next days challenges
Taking the road to Lhasa is no joke and this you have beautifully depicted in this poem though the eyes of a woman who shares her laughter after a day's hard work.10/10
This poem contradicts and celebrates women empowerment.....she is travelling alone yet the unfriendly landscape is burden turning everything into a mask.....Thanks.
Very nice poem, especially the last few lines, Hard it is for a woman, far from home. And endless the road to Lhasa beneath a mask. Thanks for sharing.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Delivering Poems Around The World
Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge...
4/27/2024 12:38:48 AM # 1.0.0.1119
The ordeals of high altitude faced while travelling on road to Lhasa in the Himalayas have been amazingly narrated by the poetess in this wonderfully penned poem along with the respite the night provides to them at places of camping.Thanks for sharing.10+ points.