Aruna's Story Poem by Girija Menon

A young nurse in a city hospital
Mumbai, it happens to be a state capital
A job for all, to fend for family
She too has dreams
Until struck by a hideous tragedy

Nurse she is dedicated, never failing
Caring for sick and ailing
A noble job, few are willing
Wounds of all that requires healing

An unfortunate Tuesday
She falls prey
To a youngster, she knew ‘by the way’
Rape on his mind, she victim this day

An evening, time to wind up
She enters her chamber to clear up
She is attacked with no back up
Overpower by a man
Raped and chained – locked up

Damage to her brain
Permanent is the strain
Unable to sustain
Besides, being in physical pain

Thirty six years, Aruna only sheds tears
Unable to speak and vent her fears
Dependent totally on her peers
A nurse fraternity who cares

Aruna’s story published
Her identity totally perished
Living a life of an animal
More than three decades of being miserable

A death wish in her heart
Eyes stagnant, voice dormant
Pleading to be understood and heard
End her torture
A new beginning and a fresh start

Every human wants dignity
Never suffering or pity
Give Aruna her the rightful entity
The freedom to end her plight
And fly free

Death not in our hands
‘God’s will ‘ always will stand
Circumstances vary
Rules to change
Depending on individual story

Give her life in death
Give her freedom and strength
To move over and take a new breath
A new life and a new beginning
God willing! !