Shilling For A Scowl Poem by saadat tahir

Gender issues and domestic violence

Baggy cheeks an crabby scowl.
Explicate a deep seated howl.
Afflicted as if a case of mumps.
Down below in dejected dumps.
Gives to eye, street in distrust.
On face is writ, a veil of disgust.
Shuffles around away in a huff.
Twisted arm clutching her stuff
So to say the familiar grouch.
Oft she stops to rifle a pouch.
Ill her temper, alien to humor.
Morbid gloom, dazed her stupor
Eyebrows crouched deep in sulks
Desolate landscape that she hulks
Knitted brow and a pitted frown
Sullen demeanor prowls the town
Barely mumbles lisp of a word.
Those around have barely heard
Equally grouchy is a passer by.
Bristle at once a rage he’ll fly.
Left he behind a cowering wife.
Ashen white she’s devoid of life.
Smile abroad and a scowl at home.
Gnarl, gnash and a growly Gnome.
Hooded face and a shadowy cowl.
Tosses a Shilling for her Scowl.

(Islamabad)
(May 15,2009)