Laali

Laali measured her seven steps in gloom, 

At an age when she was yet to bloom. 

Forced into wed-lock at fourteen, 

Went unheard, despite her protests umpteen. 

The widower was nearing her father's age, 

Poor parents served at his farms on a wage. 

All their debts were at his disposal, 

Had to accept his unpropitious proposal.

Schooling stopped but she was keen to continue,

Against her wishes, she got cast in real life an ingenue. 

Could neither ignore family's ubiquitous plight,

Penury transcended servility, unable to put up a fight. 

How she wished it all was a bad dream, however. 

Turmeric thread tied around the neck, sealed her fate forever. 

The hard bigotry of poverty an ill-fated doom, 

Its vicious tentacles engulfed her, letting perennial pain loom.