Meera watches,
the mother-in -law scream.
“Take back the gifts,” the senior lady shouts.
It is the eve of Deepavalli.
The infuriated brother of Meera
walks out with the presents.
She sobs,
“what more can a girl of twenty plus do?
Subjected to continuous
humiliations,
humiliations,
resolves not to take part
in festivals in the ancestral house.
She picks her bags
leaves in a huff.
Tells her boys,
“We are going back,
no more of celebrations
in this village.”
The eldest who is five,
consoles, “Mom, we will
burst crackers and enjoy
at home. Do not worry.”
burst crackers and enjoy
at home. Do not worry.”
The younger one nods his head.
Meena fondles him. He wipes
the tears. Gently kisses her.
Meenas Poems 