Souradeep Roy regards poetry as an expression of the self and a reaction against everything that embattles, confounds or overwhelms us. Some of his poems have been published previously in print in Static Poetry III and online in Frog Croon and Thematic Literary Magazine while one awaits publishing in Fictitious Magazine.
Gender Studies
Why can’t I
sit ‘there’ during my periods?
Why can’t I
wear sleeveless tops and jeans?
Why can’t I
swear when that bhadrolok gently touches me?
Why can’t I
smoke without scornful eyes turning back scornfully towards me?
Why can’t I
retain my chastity even after that bastard rapes me?
Why can’t I
walk out of the marriage without indifferent fingers pointing towards me?
Why can’t I
just me ‘me’ without having feminist or chauvinist tags attached to me?
And, finally,
Why can’t I
have you answering me?
Now can’t I
smear kohl and walk out?
Now can’t I
be the wife in a marriage?
Now can’t I
walk without worrying about my ‘feminine’ gait?
Now can’t I
not be “tall, dark and handsome”?
Now can’t I
cry as much as my heart weeps?
Now can’t I
play with kitchenware instead of guns?
Now can’t I
avail the ‘Ladies’ seat?
And, finally,
Now can’t I
have you taking me seriously?
Glossary:
bhadrolok: 
gentleman
