Rhea Gupte

pulled, burned,
blurred, bleached

Shame appears
under arms
between legs
via scrutiny.

Shame is passed
in inheritance
as a blanket
of insecurity.

Shame is taught
as convenience
lest we unlearn
our carefully
fed entirety.

Shame is cultured
to maintain order
between oppressors
and the oppressed.

Shame is cultivated
to sell more shame
lining pockets
a welcome guest.

pull, burn,
blur, bleach

A body a battlefield.