The stigma of the widowhood

When you strip a woman

Of her costumes and cosmetics

And clamp on her widowhood,

She might well turn to be

A mother, sister or daughter.

Doing it on an open yard

As a part of funeral

Is an injury inflicted

On a mother, sister or daughter.

Let her be free to do when

And let it be a private affair.

What sanctity has it got

In the changed scenario,

Where widows are getting

Married as freely now?

Must she be bound with thali

And metti by the bridegroom

To be usurped in his death?

The stigma attached

To being a widow be torn.

Be she as free as a man

Before and after her marriage.

It is grace that man grants

Before woman demands.

15.05.2008