Iron Draped In Silk: Surbhi Gupta Pens Poems On Womanhood & Healing

Iron Draped in Silk by Surbhi Gupta is a collection of poetry celebrating the inherent power and compassion of women. Through four distinct chapters, the book guides readers on a journey of self-discovery and empowerment, emphasising the importance of self-worth and embracing one's inner magic.

Gupta, a humanitarian and spiritual mentor, believes in the healing power of words, and her poems highlight the unique role of women as daughters of Mother Earth, capable of nurturing and healing the world. The collection encourages self-care and mindfulness, reminding readers to find peace in simple moments and cherish their alone time.

One of the poems, "Lose the weight of people's opinions", serves as a powerful reminder to prioritise self-acceptance and inner strength over external validation. It uses the metaphor of "losing weight" to shift focus from physical appearance to emotional well-being, urging readers to shed the burden of others' judgements and anxieties about how they are perceived. The poem advocates for embracing personal growth and staying true to one's authentic self, even when faced with resistance or negativity.

Ultimately, it encourages distancing oneself from those who have consistently undermined confidence, emphasising that true "weight loss" comes from freeing oneself from the weight of others' opinions and embracing one's own dignity and evolving self.

With approximately 100 poems, half of which are accompanied by illustrations, the book's pleasant and heartfelt style aims to uplift and heal, leaving the reader feeling both soft and strong. Iron Draped in Silk serves as a gentle reminder of the magic within every woman, offering inspiration and comfort to those seeking tranquillity in their lives.

Here's an excerpt from Surbhi Gupta's Iron Draped in Silk

She was unshaken

 by their uproar,

for their wrath 

she could dispel, 

her one, 

stern gaze, 

- Could take down the wildest hell! 

Women, like the vast heart of Mother Earth, 

hold within them the capacity for boundless forgiveness. 

But, when the injustice becomes unbearable, 

when the wounds cut too deep, 

when the tides swell beyond their limits, 

when the shadows over the heart creep. 

In the face of overwhelming wrongs, 

mercy is silenced. 

And just like nature, 

- They too, bring a storm!

A new word, 

A new antonym, 

A new prohibition - 

was introduced by them. 

Further defining the boundaries, 

further tightening the surroundings. 

So, 

she remoulded herself, 

piece by piece, 

chunk by chunk. 

Carefully chipping away at what was once whole, 

trying to fit into the "New mould". 

But, what was left of her soul, 

she could no longer fathom. 

The joy she once knew, 

she could no longer gather. 

Because, though she fit into their new designs, 

- She longed for the self she left behind! 

Whether you bring money to the table or not, whether your career soars or not, 

whether you are somewhere or not, 

whether you are something or not, 

You still give enough. 

Enough for them to breathe, enough to find relief, 

enough to fill the air with hope, enough to soothe their griefs. 

-You, give enough to everyone! 

Lose the weight of, their opinion, 

and not that number on the scale. 

Lose the way you think, 

they talk about you, 

and not the dignity you maintained. 

Lose those who claim, 

you are no longer the same, 

and not your new self. 

If you must lose at all, 

let it be those, 

who never saw you through, 

- Lose those, who never believed in you! 

Extracted with permission from Surbhi Gupta’s Iron Draped in Silk.