Down the alleyway, deep in the dark,
Stood a beautiful girl playing in the park.
Dancing and laughing and enjoying her ride-
On the tall swing, dressed like a bride.

Anjali- the favourite, but she ne’er said a word,
To any of her mates, except a little bird.
Pampered and loved by each around her,
Hoping, she would speak, at least when near.
But not a single word did she mutter,
Giving them disappointment that was bitter.

Dark in the darkness, in the eerie silence,
She walked along a pathway,
Where ahead of her lay-
Her own new life and a deep dark sky:
Decorated with stars scattered across the sky.
Sparkling like diamonds,
Forming beautiful constellations-
Giving their light, on a moonless night.
Making her hope, that she too might
Someday be one of them
Showing her light to scores of men.

She was a little child no doubt,
But wanted a voice that would enable her speak
And spread her message, though she was meek
To help the misfortunate lead a life of joy
Far from miseries, in the city of Troy.
She longed to be that twinkling star,
Shining in the deep dark sky
Showing her light far and wide.

Untouched by the festivities taking place inside
Where men rejoiced at the cost of her life
Drinking and eating and gambling aside
They were also making a mockery of her life
Thinking a deaf child wouldn’t understand
Not realising that she still had sight,
That forced her to face all miseries by and by.

The bridegroom had arrived-
To take away his bride
A handsome young man
Who was crippled though.

How sad she was! How unhappy she felt!
Not withstanding the injustice done to her-
She felt like screaming-’don’t take me away!’
But having no voice, she was deemed to accept fate.

She wanted to be different, and achieve the best,
At least not married the next instant,
Taking up responsibilities of her own new family.
Withstanding the evils imposed upon her,
Forgoing her childhood for her parents prestige-
In a society where girls were considered burdensome,
As though a curse had befallen them,
Considered good for nothing except cooking.

Perhaps she was only 10, but that was the system-
That prevailed then,
When despite their ability to speak,
Girls were made voiceless and meek.