Jyostna tells us about the struggles of a single, widowed mother and how she fought all odds. An exclusive for Different Truths.

She lost her husband 
but not her mind.
She was not very young 
but not yet old.
Had two kids to take care of.
She had to be up and about 
for her kids she had to fight.
She would dress well and go
to find the work which she didn’t know,
but with her looks nobody could say no.
Everyone was keen to help a pretty face.
She would also smile back unfazed.
Going was smooth till anyone dared.
At such times she was not at all scared.
She won’t make their rivals aware.
She carried on pretty well on her own.
Lost no time to despair and moan.
She made her looks, her strength.
With her wit everything was dealt.
With her looks and wit 
She made the tough times melt.

Visual by Different Truths

Jyotsna Gill

Jyotsna Gill, wife of Lt Col R S Gill, is a teacher and a poet. She worked in Kendriya Vidayalaya. She is based at Chandigarh.