‘She Walks Unafraid’: Poem by Sukhnandan Kaur, AIMETC

She walks, but not alone

her shadow bears the weight of stones, 

of whispers, stares, and silent fears, 

of paths she’s tread through blood and tears. 

The world should be her garden, bright, 

where every step is bathed in light. 

But shadows lurk, and silence screams 

her safety’s shattered in their schemes. 

Yet still, she rises, fierce, unbowed, 

her voice a thunder, strong and loud. 

She claims the night, she owns the day, 

and will not let them steal her way. 

For every street should be her home, 

no need to clutch her keys like stones. 

No need to map the safest route, 

or wear her courage like a suit. 

She is not a question, not a plea 

she is the storm, the sky, the sea. 

Her body is her own to keep, 

not a secret others steal in sleep. 

Let the world become her shield, 

a place where wounds are healed, not sealed. 

Where every sister, daughter, friend, 

can walk unbroken to the end. 

So rise, you men, you mothers, sons, 

and break the cycle, everyone. 

For her safety is not hers alone

It’s the measure of the world we’ve known. 

Let her walk unafraid, unbowed, 

her laughter ringing clear and loud. 

For when she’s free, the world will see 

her strength becomes our legacy.