 Good morning everyone. My poem is called Strong. From the moment I was born my father called me Son. He wrote me from the very essence of being a daughter. As a child I grew up receiving lessons on how to be a woman when I was still called Son. I grew up and got my first job. Sure my father was proud but all of that pride was for the Son and none. But why? I love my work. I'm excited. But I should have looked forward to something else perhaps. They sit there in a group of two or three and call me names. I avoid just like I've been told and they start to play their games. Push me to the ground. They hold my collar. And what happened next? Oh that's not even butter. They tore my clothes. They touched my parts which I did not adore. I shouted. Should I say more? What should I call today? My fate? Was it my destiny? I was scarred. The flesh before my eyes and I was all alone. I stood at me with sympathy. Others with disgust. But all of them were. I stood at the front door of my home with the hope of getting love and comfort that none had shown. Oh I still remember how my mother went pale. How my father lured his cases in shame. They called me oh daughter in my home. My world confined to the four corners of my room. I had to stand up. I had to fight. No knowledge that I'd be greeted by the questions. Was it late? Were you thinking you would ask how I feel? Of course they did not say it out loud. I turned my gaze to justice. Oh that mighty justice which I read about. Now I'm just by justice sure gave them. Saying they were juveniles. Or maybe it's just the never ending trials. I was given with the overriding fame which gave me a spotlight in the headings of the newspapers that read. Oh my country in my old postcards and demanded for the justice that perhaps I would never receive. Where was your unity when filled with my screams? Where was the unity when I did not have enough strength to spare? Do not postcards. Do not con the light. Do not let the light of hypocrisy shine bright on your face. Just after you have made me the symbol of a disgrace. All this time I stood alone. I know I'm scarred. But I am strong. I am India's daughter and this is my story.