WHOSE HANDS ARE THESE?

Whose hands are these, knew not none

Cruel hands or helpless ones

On the alter of dowry these charred me

I choke on my words, teary eyed I can't see

Are these your hands Oh father dear?

With so much love I was reared

But once you bid me goodbye as a bride

My return you found a blot on your pride

Are these your hands Oh mother of mine?

Who coaxed me back to my so called 'shrine'

And when did dear mother your heart of gold

Suddenly for me turn hard and cold?

Are these your hands my partner for life?

Was I only a bait in your river of strife?

Heaven and Hell with you I discerned

These lessons of life from you I learned

Go wash these hands; dirty and stained

With treachery, greed , conceit and disdain

Don't cry for me; I matter not

I am born a girl to die and rot..