Page 41 - August 2020 Digital

I had written this poem when I was in the 9th Grade.
This won the first prize. In retrospect, I think it must
have been because of the child’s emotions about this
sensetive subject at that tender age.However, even to-
day, the scene of the society back home needs a lot
of improvement. I offer this once again after so many
years. Please read/listen to it thinking from the point
of view of a 15 year old girl writing this in the 90’s.

The Girl Child

The Last Laugh

Navneeta Khemka
(15 yrs old- when written)

Once again the story began;
a girl child was born to a poor man.

The laughters and hopes turned into tears;
the mother’s mind was filled with fear.

Thoughts arose and made the man sad;
the future of the child made him mad.

She was brought up along with her brother;
but the partiality was even from the side of her
mother.

The parents realised their mistake when they had
grown;
the girl child was the one who had shone.

She proved that she was not less than a male;
who are nothing but people on sale.

They want the bride as well as the money;
don’t you think this system is funny?

Why? The earth is also a mother;
without which the generations cannot go any
further.

So why don’t you want a baby girl; who is as good
as a precious pearl!

Please encourage your kids to write. Submit your creative
writing to desipages@funasia.net

DesiPages DFW | AUGUST 2020 VOL 18 | 41