Tethered Hope

By Manvi Sharma

The crimson colour saree that you gave me

As a symbol of prosperity

Or, may I call it a mere charity

For the ones who cannot afford me.

Through the venture of sanctity

I was burned in my own fire;

In the name of ritual,

I was entitled to the buyers of apostrophe.

The rubies shined, and the diamonds beamed

For the deal that was sealed;

In exchange of my priorities

I was pronounced against my own dignity.

Painting my life with the tint of red,

Marking the symbol of astonishment

I was devoid of myself

In my own show of happiness.

The silence in the noise of music

I dance to the of melodies of hypocrisy

Without a fail, my heart is no more

The Same.

Failing to sustain sanctity

Leaving behind my traits

Polished in all arenas

I am designed to play again.

Among all the colours - I do not choose red

To define my identity,

In an attempt to go beyond chivalry

I uphold the roots of saliency.

By Manvi Sharma