The obsession of having a male child takes it toll on a mother, agonises Neelam, in this women-centric poem, exclusively for Different Truths.
A boy,
I was told that every family yearns;
Bearing a male child
Has become my life’s only concern!
For want of a boy
I have given births to six pretty daughters;
They roam, discarded and unloved,
And my family, of my next pregnancy chatters!
For want of a boy
I have become a perpetual pregnant machine!
Who asks what I desire or seek?
Who bothers about my wishes pristine?
For want of a boy
I have been driven to the extreme!
I don’t think I can take it anymore;
My face has lost its glitter and gleam!
For want of a boy
I think I wish to end my life…
But…what will happen to my daughters?
What is the end of this relentless strife?
When my daughters grow up
Will the same old question buoy?
While they battle and struggle
People will ask, “When will you have a boy?”
©Neelam Saxena Chandra
Photo from the Internet
Neelam Saxena Chandra, Additional Divisional Railway Manager, Pune, has authored 4 novels, 1 novella and 6 short story collections, 31 poetry collections and 13 children’s books. She holds a record with the Limca Book of Records, 2015 for being the Author having the highest number of publications in a year in English and Hindi. She has won several international and national awards. She was listed in Forbes as one of the popular authors in 2014.
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Neelam Maam is a lady who can write on any subject. A highly motivated driven lady whose writings are a true motivation and inspiration for only those who has read her write ups . Hats off Maam.
Thanks a lot Satyabrata for your kind words