The Ordinary Family

Somewhere in a village in Theni

Knew no fear, this dusky girl Kayalvizhi

The dusty roads and plantain groves

All through the year she tread.

In her arms, a pot she held

Multiplication tables today she said

Her anklets sang a happy song

For the walk to the well was a mile long

Harder than picking chaff from rice

Was separating Kannan from the cot at sunrise

Waking up could just about wait

His sister was not back with water, right?

He stared at the cycle against the wall

Weren't two wheels faster than a mile to walk?

I can pedal, if she could not

Though culture allowed, amma would not.

By the stove, the lady of the house

Was planning ahead with her spouse

"A couple of years and it will be right,

To send her away and bring a bride.

It is important we uphold our tradition,

Of having not one but two wedding celebrations"

A wealthy girl for her lazy son

For her smart girl child, a foolish one.