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A poignant poem that takes its unfortunate inspiration from the Kathua rape and murder of an 8 year old. Do read.
Trigger alert: This post contains descriptions of violence that could be disturbing for some readers.
A mom’s heart Sat beside her little girl’s Fresh grave Trying to moisten the soil With tears of blood She asked-
“Tell me little girl Tell me your pain!” The little girl answered- “Dear mom, tell me first honestly Didn’t you too secretly want a son? Was I born in vain?”
The mom’s heart sighed And with more tears replied- “Yes I did little one, because I too was a little girl here once, I knew what they do to you If you are born as a burden Often wombs are tombs For unborn girls, sigh!”
“So then why did you have me?”
“Well little girl I did because I hoped Things would change and improve
You will work and study And will have a lot to prove For yourself, me and my mom And all the women before you Who this world forgot.”
“Yes mom, I was trying But why didn’t you tell me They could take me anytime And do things to me That hurt, not just my tiny body But things that bruised even my heart! And I didn’t understand why, why! They were tearing me apart Like a lifeless toy I didn’t know that soon I was about to die I couldn’t even shout or loudly cry But could you ask the world mamma For me why? Why?”
The mother’s heart mourned And turned into the headstone Of the grave of the little girl Mutilated and sacrificed Brutally left alone to die! The headstone read- “A step at a time”
Each little flame of life You snubbed out in its prime Will now become a fire May their curses combine! Patriarchal monsters You will pay for your crimes You may politicise, hide or pray Soon it will be your judgement day!
This story had been shortlisted for the April 2018 Muse of the Month, but not among the top 5 winners.
Image source: pixabay
Pooja Priyamvada is a columnist, professional translator and an online content and Social Media consultant.
Thanks Sharmila Bhardwaj !
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