The Indian Child

You are born into a delighted family 

There are at least two more just like you

Before you and after you

There might be more too. 

 

You are loved and cared for

Pampered and scared for 

The things that you might or might not do

You love them dearly

Your parents - your family

And wish to keep them happy too

But in the process 

You tend to forget to keep some joys for you. 

You are an Indian Child

You can’t think of just yourself 

‘What will the people say?’ 

Is a question you know well. 

Think of our pride, not of your own happiness 

Doom on you if you don’t show kindness

To the daughter of your neighbor’s uncle’s son 

You are an Indian Child

You have to do what should be done. 

You want to live your life your way

Do things - they have not planned for you. 

If that’s the way you wanna stay 

Then doom on you. 

God forbid you have made a choice

That matches not with what they deem fit 

Out of the house- in the street

Is where you will sit.

Till you come to your senses

Ask for forgiveness 

For your love for them is blind

Go live their life

You Indian Child.