I met fear this December
and I met him with shock
in front of the television
and on the very first page
of the newspaper.
I met fear this December
and I met him with worry
in flooding online messages
and in frantic calls to everyone
asking if they’re okay.
I met misery this December
and I met her with panic
while running from bullets
and choking on tear gas
trembling with every blast.
I met misery this December
and I met her with helplessness
I saw her creep inside me
while walking the same old road
of my university
I saw blood and many shoes
one of a pair, lost after the stampede.
I met rebellion this December
and I met her with strength
on the coldest days in 119 years
I saw my people come out and speak
on the same old road
of my university, now painted
In colours that scream aazadi.
I met rebellion this December
and I met her with determination
while singing songs of freedom
sitting with women, children, aged
clutching posters and reading books
holding hands for rights and justice
unafraid.
I met rebellion this December
and she tells me to keep fighting
she tells me I’m not alone.
Tohfatul Fatima studies at Jamia Millia Islamia
Featured image provided by the author