Why Not Love? Poem by Anitha Vijayakumar

A girl in bloom, a heart so true,
She loved a boy, as deep skies do.
He had less gold, but dreams enough,
Yet her family's pride called him "not enough."

With all her heart, she took his hand,
Hoping they'd understand, not demand.
She wished for peace, a life of grace,
But their eyes saw only a lowly place.

Her father's pride, her uncle's fire,
Set to burn her dreams, a cruel desire.
They took his life in honor's name,
Leaving her bound in grief and shame.

Could they not open their hearts so wide,
To welcome him with a father's pride?
To call him son, to grant her light,
To live in love, not endless fight?

Imagine the joy that could have been,
A family whole, a love serene.
But they chose darkness, turned away,
Leaving broken hearts, and tears to stay.

Why is love so hard to see?
Why does hate so often decree?
What breaks in souls, what binds their eyes?
When will love, not pride, arise?

Why can't love simply be free,
To dream, to grow, to just be?
Tell me, world, why not choose love?
Why shun peace that fits like a glove?

Why, why, why do hearts deny
The beauty that in love can lie?
A life once bright, now cold and grey-
Oh, why did love have to pay?