An Appeal From The Womb Poem by DASHARATH NAIK

Before you give me birth and bring to the earth
Be sure that
You won't ignore me
Won't torture me
Mentally and physically as well
Won't throw me into the dustbin in silent hours
Won't leave me behind in the bushes
For the hungry dogs and hyenas
Won't exploit my innocence
As long as I'm alive;

Papa wants a male child to shoulder his responsibilities
He wishes I were born as his son
He aspires to be looked after in his old age
He thinks me an extra burden
An unwanted child he considers me
Only to be sent to my in-law's house
When I am grown up
And then forgotten;

Do remember, MAA!
You were also born as a girl child
Papa could marry you
He thought you his befitting bride
You became his life partner
Because you were a female;
How can he think and treat otherwise?

You were also the only daughter to my grant parents
They loved you next to their hearts
You were more a priority than a liability
They struggled hard for your safety and security
They smiled with you heartily
And they had found in you
Their pleasure and everything.

Why this silly discrimination?

Do never be influenced by Papa
He represents the male dominated society
Do never go for my abortion, MAA!
Do convince Papa
I'm his flesh and blood
I'm not his headache or bed sore either.

I'm his life and
I can shoulder his responsibilities too
Just like my male counterpart
I can do what a male child can do
I can add colour to
His shattered and dull life
Name and fame
I can bring aplenty to the family
My grace, love and sacrifice
Can make him proud and complete.

©® Dasharath Naik