You do not have the right to clip my wings.

Do not bind me in shackles,

shackles of doubt,

shackles of disrespect,

shackles of hatred.

 

I have a right to voice my choice,

I have a right to live my life,

I have a right to realise my dream.

 

This is not about bondage,

This is not about superiority,

This is not about ego.

 

You do not have the right to beat me,

You do not have the right to undermine me,

You do not have the right to  clip my wings.

Marital abuse is common in many Indian homes. The feeling of superiority and the play of power marks these relationships. Many a times, it is the so called 'educated' men who treat their wives in a despicable manner. I dedicate this poem to the 'brave' women who fight and who have the courage to walk out and start life afresh.