Shades of Shackles

She with her bulging neckline and loud lipstick
She with her button down work shirt and matte lip color.

They both worlds apart
Or not so much

She uses her body to earn a living
She earns a living but is never comfortable with her body.

She sleeps with many but her heart belongs to none
She sleeps with one but her heart yearns for better.

One night of pleasure doesn't buy love

Many nights of togetherness and still no love.

She is seen as vulgar,  loud and immoral
She is seen as liberated and empowered.

Both enslaved,  both in shackles
Both by society that creates hierarchies of even dignity and honor.

Perhaps she is better who has nothing to lose
Atleast she is not held to any standards

Maybe she is more empowered
Her dignity, honor and worth come from within

She is loud, seen and heard by many
She is  quiet, unnoticed and rarely heard by even her one..

By Hiba Tanvir