My parents decided to go out for a dinner today;
My sister and I were excited about it since midday;

I search in my closet, removing dress after dress;
Got a scolding from my mom for creating a mess;

I think about the clothes I have pondered;
Not caring about all the minutes that have wandered;

Whenever I go out with my friends, I wear jeans and tee;
But with my father, I prefer wearing my skirt above the knee;

I decided to wear a shirt and a skirt till my ankles;
Accessorized with metal earrings and colourful bangles;

That evening we walked into a restaurant;

I saw the few eyes of men that rested on;

Not only me but on women who had their saree draped;
Ladies in salwar-kameez, kurtis, shirts weren't spared;

I know that it's not a thing that all men do;
But the men who averted their gaze were only a few;

Their intense gaze pierces my skin;
I am made to feel ashamed of wearing the dress I am comfortable in;

What distressed me was my character was decided by my dress;
I await to see the world where women wear their choice of dress without any fuss.

-Likhitha Reddy
6th April, 2017.