Poetry: A Lady

Navratri is a festival that reveres the many forms of feminine energy, such as the fierce, the nurturing, the wise, the playful, and the compassionate. It is a time to recognize that Shakti, the divine power, does not exist only in temples or scriptures but flows through every woman and, indeed, within every soul that dares to embrace it. My poem, written in celebration of this sacred season, is both a tribute and a meditation on the qualities of the feminine spirit.

The verses begin with the image of a lady whose very name radiates light: “a glowing flame, a source of might.” Fire here is not destructive but transformative, a symbol of resilience and inner power. Just as the morning sun brings life to the world, her smile and laughter carry the capacity to uplift and heal. This is an acknowledgment of the nurturing force within the feminine that is gentle in expression, yet profound in impact.

As the poem unfolds, it draws attention to qualities often overlooked in a society that prioritizes noise over nuance: grace, care, kindness, and joy. These are not passive traits but active energies that require strength to sustain. The feminine essence here is portrayed fair, balanced, and powerful in its subtlety.

The stanza that names her a “ray of hope” and a “humble star” reminds us of the paradox that defines Shakti: greatness expressed through humility, brilliance tempered with compassion. She is a goddess because she embodies the reverence in her everyday gestures.

The journey of this feminine archetype is described as “bold” and her wisdom as “gold.” These lines highlight the courage inherent in living authentically. A woman’s path is often filled with expectations and resistance, yet to walk it with dignity is itself an act of quiet rebellion and divine grace. The sacred rose is represented in her exquisite strength.

The closing verses extend a blessing, where her spirit may be happier, her heart may be forever sparkling. This is not merely a wish for one woman but a universal invocation: may every feminine force in the world find joy, may every heart that carries Shakti shine unbounded.

In truth, the poem is more than a personal tribute as it is a mirror of the goddess energy that Navratri celebrates. Whether in Durga’s courage, Lakshmi’s abundance, or Saraswati’s wisdom, the divine feminine manifests in countless forms. And yet, the poem reminds us that this same divinity dwells in every woman we meet, every smile that heals, every act of kindness that changes the course of another’s day.

In honoring the goddess through words, we also honor the living embodiments of her: our mothers, sisters, friends, mentors, and the quiet power within ourselves. May this Navratri awaken us to the truth that the feminine is not to be idolized from afar but cherished, supported, and celebrated in our daily lives.

This is the gift of the poem: a gentle yet powerful reminder that Shakti is everywhere, if only we learn to see it.