By Shrabanti Ray
Contributing Author for Spark Igniting Minds
Hi! I am Chhoti A six year old
Enjoying my after life
On the red carpet rolled.
Do you know my story
The one I had on Earth?
Then come, let me tell you
Of my amazing birth.
I was born after two boys
To my mother as planned
Like a drop of rain I fell
With the help of God’s hand.
No sooner did I arrive home
I felt I was not due
My mother in full gloom
My relatives cursing in public view.
Days went by and I grew some feet
Enjoying the love, support and care
Of my Mai and Bapu
That no one could share.
One afternoon I strayed a mile
Running and chasing some bumble bees
A few young boys came after me
They shouted STOP….FREEZE!
I obeyed them in stillness
Thinking it was just a game
But they pulled me to the bush
And pinned me down to shame.
I screamed..I pushed the herd of pain
But I was too weak for their might
One by one they licked me off
Like hungry wolves in sight.
I lay there in sand and rags
My body in shivers and cold
No help came by as close
Was there no one bold?
A lot of time passed away in nil
For I could not gather and sit
Until I heard some cries of guilt
Of my Mai-Bapu and my heart beat.
In the bed at the tiny hospital
Doctors shared the news to tell
The police uncle’s who stood by
SHE WAS GANG RAPED! Oh hell!
I know not what that means,
Is it some disease that got me in?
Or a game that I do not know at all?
I heard everyone calling it a sin.
A few moments that I lay by myself
I saw my Bapu pleading with all
Tears of sorrow and wrinkles of dim
My my! I listened to a silent call.
Someone held my hand
And guided me here
Into a candy land and beautiful flowers
I chased the butterflies but had no fear.
Will you share my story, my friends?
Why did I not know the bush game?
The hidden act that older boys do
With little girls in order to tame?
I see from high up
My sweet home down there
Mai cooking dal chawal
A very simple fare.
There’s my Bapu with a glass of tea
Oh! Bapu, can you see me?
I have grown some height and flesh
I am strong as you wanted me to be.
Still, I feel sad at times
And wish to be with you all.
I wish I had a phone, To talk to you all.
A tiny tribute to those little girls who had no place on Earth…a warm goodbye.
About Shrabanti Ray
Shrabanti Ray is a teacher, trainer, facilitator,
mentor, poet, crafter, and writer forever.
She loves to create euphonious music and seeks solace in nature. She loves to write blogs, quotes, and poems.
Her work is deeply acknowledged in the writing fraternity.