Shame

By Soumya Bhardwaj

The past, the present, the future is time. 

Crying over spilled condiments is Crime.

A place where being a woman is shame.

Patriarchy is the root of this horrendous game.

You call all her excuses lame.

Harass her when she misfits your frame.

But!

One day she decides to fight,

Either it's a win or what?  Suicide?

If she fights, she's pugnacious. 

If she lies, she is vicious.

Alas! Society can never call her courageous.

Some call it dowry;

 some are present.

Once it was domestic violence.

Now it is all silence.

Modern if wears a dress.

Too traditional if she carries the warm press.

rape her if she speaks too much or wears so little.

Why taming her soul was not enough brittle?

And one fine morning, you asked her to forget.

Sweetie, what is that look?

It was a favor.

 You were in my debt.

You were empty and shallow. 

I (men) touched you with magic, 

There is no choice now, you have to palo.

She finds herself lost. 

She cannot shame her parents at any cost.

So, she decides to stay

Pregnant with a baby on the way.

15 years of age with a child in her womb.

“I am a shame!”

That's what it said on her tomb.

By Soumya Bhardwaj