He was always
a known face
in school,at home
a library or a park
whether it was a bruise
a forced kiss
or a gashing scar
she never slept
to dream a dream
the shroud of shame
the conspiracy of silence
never let her scream
this is the last
to herself she would lie
but that it was
always a lie
his smell would never
leave the room
the chocolate
he left was always bitter.
She had noticed
long back that
that there it sat
in a dictionary
-'trust' the pseudo word
interceded between
'truth' and 'tragedy.'
(This is inspired by Pinky Virani's book by the same title about child abuse.We celebrate children's day,its time we celebrate childhood only when we are ready as individuals,families and societies to speak up against our children being exploited and abused.)
"Bitter Chocolate" is one of those books which has influenced me and shaped the way I feel about and relate to any kind of abuse - my own or others' .. I don't give up a chance to recommend/gift it to people I care about ..
ReplyDeleteAs for your poem, I can only say thank you :)
Thanks Transcendist !
ReplyDeleteVery powerful verses!! Esp loved the last lines 'trust the pseudo word....'
ReplyDeleteSeriously it's time we start celebrating childhood!!
Will have to pick up the book now!
Dropping in from indiblogeshwari link!
Thanks Aditi ! an issue that is always brushed under the carpet in India.
ReplyDelete