Scarred Identity Poem by Namita Rani Panda

With the touch of womanhood
I was extremely overjoyed
looking at my face so beautiful
in the crystal clear pool.

But alas! I was held forcibly
by my kith and kin ruthlessly.
My ears were pierced at several places
to adorn them with innumerable rings.

A needle was dipped into indelible ink
and my face was tattooed and scarred to
look.
Lots of blood oozed out and caused severe
pain
and my face swelled like a big pumpkin.

For some days black charring was applied
from utensils
in spite of infection to save me from vile.
I was told that it's an age old practice to
save my dignity.
I have to sacrifice my beauty for the sake of
my safety.

Now with a barred face and scarred identity
I would like to ask the keeper of the society
" How wise it is to disfigure the innocents
permanently
and give freedom to brutal beasts of prey to
pounce mercilessly? "