Unheard Voices

By Dr. V. L. Rinawmi

In the harsh sun, under the willow tree,

Beneath the partial– shade,

I saw a pale, sallow, emaciated face,

Her voice unheard yet I can hear her cry,

The poor selfless soul, –faceless!

Without the self, – dejected!

Drowned with heavy heart,

I saw tears trickle down her cheeks,

A wife, a mother, a home maker, – a philanthropist,

Poured all that she had

Without wanting anything in return,

Except for the love she yearned,

Under the hours wicked spell

Began the task from early dawn

Until late twilight,

Her hands roughed and wrinkled

From the endless chores that encircled her days,

She paced up and down, in despair

In the four walls of her prison–house,

Like a dog chained to a tree

Her thoughts provoked!

Behind closed doors, she was left on the edge

Her husband: drunk and shady,

Cold, dark as the night

Walked all over her

Raised his hands,

Condemned her for no fault of hers

Her lips sealed and sewed tight

For fear of contradictions and cycle of abuse,

No fairytales to dream of; or a prince to meet,

Worried about what the future would bring, every night

With her eyes swollen and sunken red

She went to bed and cried herself to sleep!

By Dr. V. L. Rinawmi