Dowry

Love is not bought, it cannot be sold,

So every girl must be told

One was taunted, again and again,

She tried to argue, but all in vain

One was made submissive and weak,

She opposed but was slapped on the cheek

One was hit, breaking her chain,

She never cried, hiding her pain

One could not conceive a male,

What do I say, it was a sad tale

One was taught to lower her gaze,

Another was tortured and set ablaze

These evils will continue to prevail,

When one chooses men who are spineless and frail

When one feeds them with more cash,

Be prepared for a deep gash

In small towns of North Indian states,

Some lure grooms with cash as bait

I writhe in guilt, night and day,

Why didn't I raise my voice yesterday?