Beti (Daughter)

I am waiting for the sun, 
I am lurking in time, 
so that you may step out 
in a world free of crime. 

But, the wait, seems endless, 
though inevitable is the change, 
the attitudes stand sublime. 
All folks seem estranged. 

A minor molestation here, 
a petty rape there,
doesn't make a difference, they say, 
for its happening everywhere. 

Girls, don't you wear jeans, 
don't you ask for freedom, 
for you're second class mortals, they say, 
born to be slaves under our fiefdom. 

Patriarchy rules the roost here, 
no question of equality. 
In your exploitation and oppression, they say 
lies our inner tranquility. 

So stay within robes of uncertainty, 
until such beliefs vanish undone. 
And if impatience grips you, beti, 
try coming here being a son. 

C Kumar

Author's Note

A girl was raped in Andhra and burnt to death. The rapist has been sentenced to death. This poem is a small tribute to her.

Reviews

[SSAgnihotri]

Congrats C Kumar, you have won the writing contest conducted by me.
As per my promise, here I give your writings the reviews.
An extremely superb poem and a marvelous tribute to the girl. Hats Off to you for writing sucha a wonderful piece of writing.

Regards,
SSA

P.S - Please review my stories too.

[Chirag Kumar]

I'm delighted to know that :D Thank you for the award and your appreciation :)

[Chirag Kumar]

And yes, i will surely review your works 😊

[Perkele.7885]

There are elements here in the states that have to exist in every given set of circumstances to make a particular crime exist . Rape would have to meet these elements! If not Rape. then the next lesser crime and then so on. Rape is a serious crime here but is not likely to receive a death sentence. Ant the trial could take a good long time to head until it was finally over.

[Chirag Kumar]

It's a burning issue here. And thus, death sentences are being pronounced to the rapists as a way of deterrence for such a ghastly crime. But, I doubt how effective are such penalties.

[B]

Its quite unfair how the world has placed women in this box
Of being seen as an object
neglecting so many emotions within
Rape is just one more item on the agenda
A little girl to experience something so extreme
Well
We are surely deluded
Prioritizing all the wrong things
He can die but what about her
How can she function for the rest of her life
Because his act killed her
but she is still alive to live with it

many questions that no one cared to answer
love this noble write

[Chirag Kumar]

She died a painful death after being burnt alive. But, many such victims die every moment, every second of their lives. I appreciate your valuable comments.

[Jyoti_Ablaze]

This is a soul wrenching tribute to the thousands of victims of discrimination and abuse.
Its a shame, but its significance cannot be denied.

Bravo Chirag! This is indeed a masterpiece, for it pierces through the soul of humanity and leaves you helplessly boiling and toiling in rage.

And for the guilty monsters, I don't think this easy death penalty is suffice. May they suffer the wrath of hell while they are living.

Great write. Especially, loved the perspective!

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your strong words on the poem Jyoti. With every such incident, something within us dies abruptly. I hope that with each passing time humans become more sensible instead of turning into such devils.

[Jyoti_Ablaze]

This is Kali yuga's pratham charan and already the world is turning into monster house, we are doomed. But this is how it is.
Great write and you are welcome.

[Joel Armstrong]

So I guess we can't wait for a kalki to arrive.we'll have to be kalkis ourselves and make the world a better place.

[Jyoti_Ablaze]

Of course, that's what the world needs, revolutionary improvement.

[Emily]

Great poem!
Lovely wording!
Keep it up!!

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks Emily :)

[Insight "MH"]

I think every community in the world has its own perspective of the concept of freedom. In my opinion, even freedom has limits, for example in the US because of not having real limitation for gun possession crime will not decrease. As for the issue of men and women equality, yes I agree on some points and disagree on other, we should consider some aspects that differ in each gender, like body structure and psychological behaviours. I believe that the world will not move accordingly without the existence of a female and a male, and none of these genders could stand by their own, cause we are created for each other, but we each have roles in life that fits our capabilities.

The animal life has laws and boundaries that both males and females should live by, and none of these animals step on the other gender's line. What I am trying to point out is that we also have boundaries and purposes in life which I may call the human ecosystem.

Finally, there is unfairness to both males and females because of the people who are in power that misuse the system for their own benefits.

Thank you for sharing this lovely piece, and sorry for the prolongation.

Insight.

[Chirag Kumar]

India is rapidly moving away from the orthodox beliefs to a modern world. However such beliefs deeply instilled in a section of people will take time to wither away. Change is inevitable, only the pace is in question. Thanks for your descriptive review :)

[Robert]

You did very well in this piece Chirag. I do believe this is one of the best poems that I have read of yours. It is expressed so well and the emotions. It is very sad and tragic.

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your appreciative comments Robert

[zaisham9393]

This is so sad :(. but I love the fact that you wrote this.thank you for writing this. it really shows that there are people in our society who still care and respect women and encourage them to stand for there rights which they deserve .

[Chirag Kumar]

There are many such persons, Zaisham. But, they don't express themselves. Thanks for your valuable comments

[Gurleen Saluja]

A well payed tribute by your words. Thanks for sharing.

[Chirag Kumar]

Thanks for your kind words Gurleen

[Gurleen Saluja]

You're welcome. :)