
Is it the clothes that bother you?
“Can’t you dress decently?”
I was asked once
For wearing a sleeveless top
By a woman who barely had a say
On what she may not wear
Or what she may.
“Can’t you dress decently?”
I was asked once
For wearing a skirt
By a man who remains
Half-naked at home.
“Can’t you dress decently?”
I was asked once
For wearing the school uniform
By the teacher who gawked at me.
“Can’t you dress decently?”
I was asked once
For wearing a saree
By my husband
Who gifted it to me.
“Can’t you dress decently?”
Ask so many around me.
The sleeveless top shows my arms,
The skirt – my legs.
The uniform shows what the school decides,
And the saree - what the culture does.
I wonder what are decent clothes?
And what is decent enough?
You define decency as you please;
Decency that does me no good,
Decency that I dissent.
No, I can’t dress decently,
Not decent enough for you;
Unless you answer –
Is it the clothes that bother you,
Or is it my body you desire to smother?
This post represents the author’s personal views and experiences. iDare doesn’t endorse or take responsibility for the opinions expressed.
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