I Am Silenced Poem by Sariga Devasia

I am silenced with the might of limbs,
forced to keep my agonies as hush hush by my kins.
If I let it out I will bring shame to my folks,
Therefore better to settle it by keeping me inside the locks.
If I love I am beheaded...
If I reject I am disfigured...
If I am coloured I am bullied...
If I am born to lower strata I am for entertainment...
If my parents cannot afford heavy dowry I am burnt...
If I cannot bear child I am divorced...
There is no end to 'If' till there is 'I'
And 'I' live only 'If' you allow me to live...
Please allow me to live...