Dacoits

When the teacher said:
I'll get you married off
if you don't recite the lesson
I was afraid.

When my brother said:
My 'husband' is my boss
who never grants me leave
even when I need it most
I grew suspicious.

When the neighbours said:
But, he's a man, a 'maharaja'
so what could he be missing?
I understood.

That marriage is a huge punishment,
that a husband gobbles up your freedom,
and that half the population
that we nourished at the breast
divides
and rules.

Poem by Radio Savitri(1949-91)

Beyond imagination

Beyond imagination you were born
Out of my heart and my soul you were created
With love and care you were nourished
And yet you forsake me.

I could kill my best for you
And serve it on a platter for you.
Anything for you, for you, my love.
Yet again you banish me from your sight.

I cut my breasts off
So that no one else could claim it.
And I smeared ash all over me
Yet you say I am a cheat.

There is a tatoo of our love
On my chest and I treasure it with my life.
Because you have left me alone
To wander in the dark.

I sought for other men
Thinking you would be invidious.
But in vain, and I was torn apart.
Heart still writhing for love.

They called me a whore.
And I was not distressed
Because now I have come so far
And so long.

Adieu to you.