Why?

A usual practice in India-"Dowry". Laws and education have not helped much in eradication of this unjust system.

There she sits, eyeing her toe-nail

They say she must not look in the eye

Her fingers drawing circles on her skirt

As she rests under the autumn sky.

The Winds that play a little game

Go flying by her eye

Upset her hair, disturb her shawl

She blushes, for she is shy.

The savories and the glasses of water

Spread out atop the charpoy

Fanning them from time to time

Mother dispels the occasional fly.

The Lady comes and holds her hand

Her face well-set, eyebrows held high

'Walk', she says, 'for we must see',

'If you have a limp, if your parents lie'.

She does as said

Her mouth bitter and dry

Father smiles and brings up small talk

As neighbors peep, a usual attempt to pry.

'He earns well', Lady says

Looking at Mother, but eyeing her boy

'Educated too, for her can read and write'

'We like her too'. Mother beams with joy.

'He will need a bike', Lady continues

'That's all we ask', her smile is sly

'For your daughter, of course, not for us'

'We are old' she adds, 'our life has gone by'.

Father sighs, looks at the clouds

They slide away and unveil the sky

Mother's gold and silver will be pawned

For he must raise the money, he must try.

She sits there looking at her toe-nail

Eyes well up, but she must not cry

'I am educated too', she thinks, 'I can read and write'

'And yet, Father must purchase the groom, why?'