What Is That? Poem by Veeraiyah Subbulakshmi

When we are free,
what it is, that chained us,
with the hearts of others,
other than the love,
that we have upon them.

When we are free,
to earn and live alone,
what it is, that really matters,
to seek the opinions of others,
and has the value more than the love.

When we are free,
to choose and marry,
what it is, that instilled in us,
to get the consent of parents,
before every decision and event.

What is that?
That binds our hearts,
beyond the selfish love,
cares for one another,
any time and every where.

What is that?
That makes us to cry and despair,
for a selfless person,
who is not related to us,
but safe in our heart and thought.